Does wearing a face mask reduce the risk of getting COVID?
Different opinions on this topic have been rampant on social media. Their use became controversial.
What does observational research show?
According to a comprehensive article in JAMA Network Open on October 31, 2023, “many high-quality observational studies” demonstrate that “face mask use in the community and of mask mandates” reduced the “spread of SARS-CoV-2.”
So, the answer is “Yes,” face masks do reduce COVID infections. Mandating the use of face masks also reduces its spread.
In fact, a study in Germany showed a “45% reduction in SARS-CoV-2 infections” when face masks were mandated compared to parts of the country where they were voluntary.
The article that was reported in this blog was by Cash-Goldwasser S and colleagues, Masks during pandemics caused by respiratory pathogens - Evidence and implications for action. JAMA Network Open. 2023; 6(10):e2339443. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.39443
Peter M. Hartmann, MD
Family Medicine & Psychiatry
