
© Benjamin Lowy
The
most rigorous and comprehensive analysis of scientific studies conducted on the efficacy of masks for reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses — including Covid-19 — was published late last month. Its conclusions, said Tom Jefferson, the Oxford epidemiologist who is its lead author, were unambiguous.
"There is just no evidence that they" — masks — "make any difference,"
he told the journalist Maryanne Demasi. "Full stop."
But, wait, hold on. What about N-95 masks, as opposed to lower-quality surgical or cloth masks?
"Makes no difference — none of it," said Jefferson.
What about the studies that initially persuaded policymakers to impose mask mandates?
"They were convinced by nonrandomized studies, flawed observational studies."
What about the utility of masks in conjunction with other preventive measures, such as hand hygiene, physical distancing or air filtration?
"There's no evidence that many of these things make any difference."
Comment: As stated above, there is some research out there showing some compounds are beneficial in breaking down spike protein. See: The Combination of Bromelain and Acetylcysteine (BromAc) Synergistically Inactivates SARS-CoV-2
Here's Elliot Overton commenting on the study:
Nattokinase also shows promise for degrading spike protein; see: Degradative Effect of Nattokinase on Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2