[smileypete]

Of course they 'work'

Covid is spread mainly by respiratory droplets, masks act to catch those droplets at source, it's simple logic.

Whilst only a properly fitted P3/N99 mask gives absolute protection from infection via inhalation, community mask use is an important pandemic control measure to keep the reproduction rate 'r0' to a minimum.

That the advice from WHO and some governments has been muddled, illogical and inconsistent does not detract from the truth.