Originally published September 4, 2023 12:00 pm PDT
In a surprising segment on CNN, host Michael Smerconish posed tough questions to Dr. Anthony Fauci regarding the effectiveness of face masks in curbing the spread of respiratory viruses, particularly COVID-19.
The Cochrane Institute unveiled a systematic review in January focusing on the role of “physical interventions” in limiting the spread of such viruses.
The conclusion was that mask usage “probably makes little or no difference to the outcome” regarding flu-like symptoms or lab-confirmed instances of flu or COVID-19.
Tom Jefferson, an Oxford epidemiologist and the study’s primary author, weighed in on the findings, stating, “There is just no evidence that [masks] make any difference.”
He went further to clarify that, “Makes no difference — none of it,” especially when referencing N-95 masks.
Jefferson criticized policy decisions supporting mask mandates, arguing they were rooted in “nonrandomized studies, flawed observational studies.”
Highlighting the Cochrane Institute’s review, Smerconish quoted New York Times columnist Bret Stephens, who referred to the study as the “most rigorous and comprehensive analysis of scientific studies conducted on the efficacy of masks for reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses.”
Dr. Fauci, however, remained steadfast in his perspective.
He acknowledged, “Yes, but there are other studies, Michael, that show at an individual level, for individual, when you’re talking about the effect on the epidemic or the pandemic as a whole, the data are less strong.”
He further argued, “But when you talk about as an individual basis of someone protecting themselves or protecting themselves from spreading it to others, there’s no doubt that there are many studies that show that there is an advantage.”
He differentiated between broad population-level studies like the one from Cochrane and individual safety.
Yet, there were apparent gaps in Fauci’s retort.
While he alluded to “other studies,” he didn’t specify any.
Additionally, he underscored mask effectiveness at the “individual level,” which can be challenging since mask efficacy research usually involves comparing infection rates between two groups, one wearing masks and the other not.
This method doesn’t necessarily cater to individual outcomes.
It’s also noteworthy that although Fauci currently emphasizes mask protection at an individual level, most mandates were introduced with the aim of safeguarding the broader community.
Further complicating the issue is the variable risk associated with COVID-19.
While anyone can contract the virus, not all demographics have the same fatality risk.
Historical data suggests that the elderly and those with underlying health issues face the highest threat.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that merely “over 5%” of COVID-19-related fatalities solely attributed the virus as the cause of death.
In cases where the death certificate listed other conditions along with COVID-19, there were “on average, 4.0 additional conditions or causes per death,” the CDC noted.
