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by leereeves 1777 days ago
It wasn't hard to find sources that disagree:

> The use of masks, which are medical devices, requires correct use, based on medical principles unfortunately not known by the whole population. This cultural deficiency, linked to the breathing difficulties caused by the use of this filter, has led to incorrect management of these important medical devices, facilitating the commission of errors that can make the masks ineffective or *even dangerous because they can become a vehicle for the spread of the disease itself*.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092575352...

That article cites a WHO statement:

> Using a mask incorrectly however, may actually increase the risk of transmission, rather than reduce it.

https://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/Adviceusemask...

Edit: what is wrong with people here, downvoting quotes from scientific articles and WHO statements, because they don't like what they say?

1 comments

>Using a mask incorrectly however, may actually increase the risk of transmission, rather than reduce it.

Read your link. Proper usage isn't hard to understand. If you touch your mask with your dirty hands it might increase the chance that you breathe in the germs that were on your hands.

Don't put a dirty mask on your face. Don't touch your mask with dirty hands.

Notice that these messages are different than "masks are a mind-control conspiracy" and "masks are ineffective."

I see people misusing masks all the time. Read the CDC guidance on masks and check out how many people follow it:

> A mask is NOT a substitute for social distancing.

> Masks should completely cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of face without gaps. [People with beards should closely trim their beard or wear two masks]

> Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol after touching or removing your mask.

> Not recommended: Masks that do not fit properly, masks made from fabric that is loosely woven, masks with one layer, masks with exhalation valves or vents.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-si...