[2aProtectsTheRest]

The study I linked to goes into detail about all of that. That's why I linked the study instead of only providing the graphic: because they give a lot more information than what's in that singular graphic. Here's another graphic from the same study at the same link:

Fomite transmission is still purely theoretical. No documented cases of fomite transmission that I'm aware of and the CDC doesn't list fomites as a primary transmission vector for SARS-CoV-2. Yes, people improperly touch their masks to put them on and remove them, but that's an education issue; not a problem with the masks themselves.

"the states with the strictest masking guidelines have some if the highest rates of disease."

That's a comment on the effectiveness of government mandates; not masks. A state can mandate whatever they'd like. If people ignore the mandate or practice malicious compliance (advocated here all the time with talk of mesh masks, cutting holes in masks, etc.) Again, not a problem with the masks. A properly made, properly worn mask reduces the volume and the range of the droplets that are the primary source of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

[Mom MD]

But does not stop transmission. In addition there is no proof evidence asymptomatic people have enough virus in respiratory secretion to spread it at all. combine that with the way the public wears masks and all you are doing is annoying people for no good reason

[Outlaw76]

Just now looking at the study — I should have done so before replying. Nothing has changed my mind yet.