This study was massive and thus hard to argue against it. Given that 16/17 Randomized clinical trials show no benefit with face masks preventing viruses and the concern that face masks leads to extra touching (and thus hand contamination).....it’s the reason Fauci and every other expert said during the initial month of the pandemic....until they were silenced and the entire medical establishment went with masks (holding up the proof of modelling and observational studies....less proof than this study).
Forcing masks was all about compliance / control.
To be “smart” one should concede that surgical masks may work in some instances:
A surgical masks is worn in the operating room to reduce the chance that that one would infect an open wound with bacteria from their mouth. It also blocks blood or other potentially infectious materials from reaching the wearer’s skin, mouth, or mucous membranes. Keeps droplets and larger particles from being inhaled. A surgical mask, by design, does not filter or block very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes, or certain medical procedures. Surgical masks also do not provide complete protection from germs and other contaminants because of the loose fit between the surface of the face mask and the face. If worn properly, a surgical mask is meant to help block large-particle droplets, splashes, sprays, or splatter that may contain germs (viruses and bacteria), keeping it from reaching your mouth and nose.
Thus a person actively coughing and sneezing due to an upper respiratory infection likely gives some benefit to those around him/her. Masking up when you have a cold is likely a good idea. Surgical masks may help reduce exposure of your saliva and respiratory secretions to others.