Study Shows N95, KN95, and KF95 Masks Are Effective
Mr. Manny Morales’ statement in the December 14th Forum that “masks are 0% useless” against covid virus are useless is wrong. Mr. Morales refers to unnamed “studies” and “experts” to support his position. The preponderance of research shows masks are effective. A better question is which masks are the most effective. It is interesting to observe that at most if not all medical offices and facilities people are required to wear masks. Surely, the combined education, training, and experience of the doctors are a better indicator of mask effectiveness than Mr. Morales’ “experts”.
Let’s define the discussion so were have a common starting point.
First, scientific studies need to be reliable and valid. Reliability means that someone will get the same results if the study is repeated. Validity is whether a study’s is done correctly and the conclusions from the data are correct.
Second, studies need to be peer reviewed to see if there are any mistakes and published in a scientific venue.
If Mr. Morales’ studies do not meet this criteria, then they are merely opinions. There are many people including doctors offering “scientific” opinions that do not cite peer reviewed research.
Third, studies determining best mask efficacy should include only CDC approved KN95, N95, or KF94. These masks filter 95% of virus particles. The masks should have behind the head straps and be stamped with NIOSH and the company name. Masks should fit snuggly around the mouth and nose. The CDC said that masks with ear loops are probably fake. Studies measuring mask effectiveness with counterfeit masks will underreport mask effectiveness and not be valid.
The Washington Post in an article published Thursday, December 9, 2022, addressed mask effectiveness and referenced a study done in California that was peer reviewed and published by the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7106e1.htm). Results showed that people who wore cloth masks in indoor spaces were 56 percent less likely to test positive for the coronavirus compared to people who did not wear masks. Surgical masks reduced covid risk by 66 percent. For those who wore N95 or KN95 masks, the 83 percent of the people who wore masks were less likely to test positive for the covid virus. Masks are effective in reducing covid infections and the preponderance of scientific studies prove this.
Covid cases and hospitalizations are increasing and approaching last summer’s peak. Increased cases of RSV and influenza are further straining health care. Although Covid is less virulent, it is more contagious resulting more cases and increased hospitalizations. Wearing a mask reduces covid risk for the wearer of the mask and reduces additional covid infections. The risk is acute for the elderly who have higher hospitalizations and higher mortality and for people with compromised immune systems.
Wearing a CDC approved N95, KN95 or a KF95 mask when inside in crowded places reduces your chance of infection by 83 percent. It will benefit you, your family and others in the community. Not only is it good self care, It is an act of compassion.
–Larry Bieber, Castro Valley
