Most of Europe has been masked for 3 months, yet all over the continent we are drifting back to lockdown. There seems to be no cognitive dissonance on this, any dissenting voices are shouted down, "what, are you a Trump supporter?", I'm absolutely the opposite, but how many people are going to say "if he's right on masks ...", this could an error of historic proportions for the left.
The countries going back on lockdown have not been good at enforcing mask use. Masks are not a magic solution but they are an important part of keeping the virus in check along with contract tracing, and enforcement on high risk conditions like indoor large gatherings, or reopening bars and nightclubs too early. If we had better application of these principles the economy would not have to suffer as much and thousands of lives could have been saved.
> are an important part of keeping the virus in check
Is there any evidence whatsoever that masks play an important role in limiting the spread of infection in countries with widespread community transmission?
Spain reopened their bars and nightlife with predictable results.
On 0% of people not wearing masks, besides this being a ridiculous impossible number, the evidence is quite contrary:
Similar problems in France with many places revolting against mask mandated and very lax usage during the summer. Not surprising to see a new spike now.
A better comparison btw would be looking at Korea, it’s a good example of proper enforcement and key events leading to new outbreaks.
Masks are like seat belts, air bags, driving at the speed limit, etc. None of these guarantees you won’t die in a car accident, but they greatly reduce your chances of dying and of injuring others. Same principles, it’s just common sense if COVID is airborne mask wearing will have a positive impact on reducing infections, and it’s a pretty minor inconvenience. Ok
Come sit on the London underground and watch all the mask-wearers adjusting their masks with the same hands that touch the doors and the seats, incidentally touching their faces. Is that safer? Maybe, maybe not. We could do with some numbers on this but where are they? We've had masks since the herb-filled beaks of the plagues of the middle-ages, where are the numbers?
The numbers are in South Korea or Taiwan, or much closer to home at any hospital. Some people misusing masks does not negate their overall effectiveness.
3 months? That is simply not true, Spain is the only country that forced masks 3 months ago. That nonsense, in Germany it's public transport, France recently the public spaces. Europe has been "maskless" the whole pandemic.
Majority of people in Europe who are actually in healthcare agree that general population using masks is with no scientific evidence and for very little effect. Masks are for the politicians to show they are doing something.
