A reporter sought Dr. Anthony Fauci’s opinion after reading about studies that called into question the usefulness of face masks in reducing the spread of COVID.
This past Sunday, CNN’s Michael Smerconish posed a question to Dr. Anthony Fauci concerning a study published by The Cochrane Institute back in January.
Oxford epidemiologist and study author Tom Jefferson was quoted in an opinion post by New York Times writer Bret Stephens, who said that mask mandates were based on erroneous studies because there was not enough data to prove their usefulness.
Fauci countered that additional studies exist, some of which focus on the patient as an individual.
Then, using fuzzy mathematics, Fauci laid forth his argument.
When evaluating the impact of an epidemic or pandemic, the research is not as robust, according to Fauci. He states that numerous studies demonstrate the benefits of taking safeguards against getting the disease or spreading it to others.
It’s fair to wonder if it isn’t the individual’s data that informs us about the efficacy of masks. The “whole” consists of several separate parts.
In January of this year, the Cochrane review was cited in the news because it concluded that face masks were only modestly efficient in preventing the spread of COVID-19. After the implementation of mandatory mask use during the pandemic, this occurred.
Karla Soares-Weiser, chief editor of the Cochrane Library, responded to criticism in March, claiming that those who claimed the study showed that masks are ineffective were misinformed.
The veteran head of the NIAID and former chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden, Dr. Anthony Fauci, expressed concern that people were not following health standards during an increase in COVID cases and the introduction of a novel variety.
The CDC and other government organizations will urge people to wear masks if the number of confirmed cases increases.
