TO MASK OR NOT TO MASK?

CURIOUS ABOUT THE FACTS?

If you are starting to worry about new variants, remember all viruses come back as new variants the next season. This is not special to SARS-CoV-2 (the virus for Covid19). Everyone has had covid by now and has developed natural immunity to the virus. Relax. Take a deep breath.

If you are tempted to go back to masking, consider the following 10 facts first:

1. Masks don’t stop transmission: The virus is much smaller than the mask pore. It can easily pass through it with every breath you take.

It’s like a sand grain passing through a large net.

2. Masks are leaky. Masks are not tightly fitted to your face and air carrying viruses passes through from all the sides. 

   

3. Sars-Cov-2, just like the flu, is airborne. It floats on tiny aerosols in the air. You could breathe it in if sitting down or standing up… if sitting close or sitting at a distance in a closed room… if wearing a mask or not wearing one.

Source

4. The authoritative agencies that you trusted, all found masks to be INEFFECTIVE at stopping respiratory viral transmission. Verify the sources yourself.

THE WHO

“At present, there is no direct evidence (from studies on COVID-19 and in healthy people in the community) on the effectiveness of universal masking of healthy people in the community to prevent infection with respiratory viruses, including COVID-19.” (WHO, June 2020)

THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION 

“We did not find evidence that surgical-type face masks are effective in reducing laboratory-confirmed influenza transmission, either when worn by infected persons (source control) or by persons in the general community to reduce their susceptibility.” (Xiao et al., May 2020) 

THE COCHRANE INSTITUTE

78 Randomized Control Trials were reviewed with 6 new trials conducted during Covid-19

“Wearing masks in the community probably makes little or no difference to the outcome of influenza‐like illness (ILI)/COVID‐19-like illness compared to not wearing masks.”

“The use of N95/P2 respirators compared to medical/surgical masks probably makes little or no difference for the objective and more precise outcome of laboratory‐confirmed influenza infection.” (Jefferson et al., Jan 2023)

5. Masks give a false sense of security. People falsely feel that they are protecting themselves or high-risk individuals when wearing a mask. This may lead people to put themselves or others in high-risk situations. If you are feeling sick with respiratory symptoms, stay away from high-risk individuals. If you are a high-risk person avoid being in a closed space with a person who is sick even if they are wearing a mask.

6. Masks are harmful: They reduce oxygen intake. 

7. Masks become filthy and contaminated with germs. They may cause skin irritation.

8. Masks cause psychological distress. They sustain the fear and anxiety in the population as they are constant reminders of a ‘scary pandemic’. 

9. Masks hinder verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as social connection.

10. Masks are divisive tools when used for virtue signaling.

    Remember, you are not helping anyone when you wear a mask.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO REDUCE YOUR RISK?

Try the SWITCH CHALLENGE

For more resources on masks:

7 Reasons to end mask mandates by the World Council for Health

Mask Infobank by PANDA

Articles by HART Group

Disclaimer: All  information provided by Abir Ballan is solely intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.

About the author

Abir Ballan has a Masters in Public Health, a graduate degree in special needs education and a BA in psychology. She is a children’s author with 27 published books. 

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