So why has testing of (FDA approved) surgical masks shown 98% reduction in particle transmission (even better than the minimum standard for N95)?
There are literally dozens of types of masks, which one specifically are you referring to? There are the shitty masks Walmart is selling which is what I am talking about, and then there are surgical masks, and then there are N95 masks.
The general population are wearing shitty Walmart masks, surgical masks are far better however still unable to block transmission of COVID, N95's are next level.
Surgical Masks
A surgical mask is a loose-fitting, disposable device that creates a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment. Surgical masks are regulated under 21 CFR 878.4040. Surgical masks are not to be shared and maybe labeled as surgical, isolation, dental, or medical procedure masks. They may come with or without a face shield. These are often referred to as face masks, although not all face masks are regulated as surgical masks.
Surgical masks are made in different thicknesses and with different ability to protect you from contact with liquids. These properties may also affect how easily you can breathe through the face mask and how well the surgical mask protects you.
If worn properly, a surgical mask is meant to help block large-particle droplets, splashes, sprays, or splatter that may contain germs (viruses and bacteria), keeping it from reaching your mouth and nose. Surgical masks may also help reduce exposure of your saliva and respiratory secretions to others.
While a surgical mask may be effective in blocking splashes and large-particle droplets, a face mask, by design, does not filter or block very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes, or certain medical procedures. Surgical masks also do not provide complete protection from germs and other contaminants because of the loose fit between the surface of the mask and your face.
Below are the facts that support what I am saying: Remember when COVID hit? N95's were a must-have but you couldn't find one anywhere since Canada and the US collectively arrested Meng Wanzhou and the masks are made in China, ( UH OH )and, China had taken the time to create a vacuum for PPE before reporting the virus, consequently the bulk of the world's supply of N95 was secured by their government, seeing there was no availability for the best fitting mask options western government changed the narrative on the masks and deemed the shit we are all using now as the stopgap to COVID transmission when clearly we can see by the numbers the masks are not working but no-one will bark up that tree.
Below are facts not my opinion with imaginary statistics.
Most notable stat for surgical masks. Does NOT provide the wearer with a reliable level of protection from inhaling smaller airborne particles and is not considered respiratory protection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,,,
The hardest rock in the world is a closed mind.
My two cents
LJ