For the person who wants to read highlights, here is another:
“ More compelling is the possibility that wearing a mask may reduce the likelihood of transmission from asymptomatic and minimally symptomatic health care workers with Covid-19 to other providers and patients. This concern increases as Covid-19 becomes more widespread in the community. We face a constant risk that a health care worker with early infection may bring the virus into our facilities and transmit it to others. Transmission from people with asymptomatic infection has been well documented, although it is unclear to what extent such transmission contributes to the overall spread of infection.1-3”
It helps to look up and read the entire article. But that does not reinforce the beliefs of many people on FR.
Thank you!
You were the first to post a paragraph from the full article.
Sincerely,
Fishtank PhD Mechanical Engineering (aerosol science)
Yes.... it does. Perhaps, you missed THESE lines?
"It is also clear that masks serve symbolic roles. Masks are not only tools, they are also talismans that may help increase health care workers’ perceived sense of safety, well-being, and trust in their hospitals. Although such reactions may not be strictly logical, we are all subject to fear and anxiety, especially during times of crisis. One might argue that fear and anxiety are better countered with data and education than with a marginally beneficial mask, particularly in light of the worldwide mask shortage, but it is difficult to get clinicians to hear this message in the heat of the current crisis. Expanded masking protocols’ greatest contribution may be to reduce the transmission of anxiety, over and above whatever role they may play in reducing transmission of Covid-19."
This study was regarding the wide spread wearing of masks in HOSPITALS. The benefit out in a general public setting of low density is exceedingly small. So small, if we apply this standard, mask wearing will NEVER go away.
The article and the part you cite refers to workers in hospitals.
You know what is says on the back of the boxes of masks we buy at the store:
NOT for use in a healthcare setting.
Hmmmm....