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Despite the fact that more than three years have passed since COVID-19 first emerged, and despite the fact that influenza outbreaks claim thousands of lives each year, the 2023 Cochrane Review concluded that it is still unknown with certainty whether or not the use of masks inhibits the spread of respiratory infections.
The Cochrane Review is the de facto appraisal of medical research used to inform future healthcare decisions. More than a dozen scientists analysed 78 research papers, some of which involved more than 500,000 people from various regions of the world and were completed years ago, to assess whether physical therapy can benefit in the control of these extremely infectious illnesses.
The researchers concluded that wearing a surgical or medical mask "probably makes little or no impact" in infections caused by viruses such as influenza or COVID. Even restricting the data to healthcare professionals or examining more advanced masks such as N95s did not uncover any significant changes in the treatment of respiratory diseases in general.
Almost everyone in the globe has stopped forcing people to wear masks to avoid COVID, however certain institutions, notably public transportation and healthcare facilities, still do. With a few exceptions, Hong Kong requires individuals to wear masks at all times in public, even outside, with a few limits (such as when you are eating). The penalties for breaching the legislation on the spot is HK$5,000 ($637).
Residents have grown tired of the policy. Wearing a mask and glasses is inconvenient, especially in Hong Kong's long, steamy summers.
The study's conclusions, however, are not totally conclusive.
Some of the tests were carried out before COVID, when viral transmission and circulation were less severe. Many people did not always wear their masks. Masks are an important tool because, according to new research, they can significantly reduce COVID transmission rates, especially in confined indoor environments.
Nonetheless, health officials advise individuals to use masks to protect themselves, particularly those who are at high risk. If there was a significant advantage, people who are most vulnerable would likely gain if others took steps to limit the spread.
