There are a lot of conflicting reports and studies out there, about the efficacy of wearing masks to help stop the spread of covid, or catching it. ICommon sense tells us that a properly worn 3-layered cloth masks cut down on the amount of virus- laden droplets people spew out when they talk, cough, or sneeze. And people can have a full viral load right before they start showing any symptoms.
I have tried to find a scientific article that looks objectively at the data that we do have. This one is pretty good, and lists data, both good and bad:
The science supports that face coverings are saving lives during the coronavirus pandemic, and yet the debate trundles on. How much evidence is enough?
www.nature.com
My husband and I will still wear masks when we go out in public. It just makes good, practical sense. It does no harm to be extra-cautious. We have a number of masks that we rotate and wash frequently. We also practice social distancing and use had sanitizer frequently when we go out.
So mask mandates CAN work IF followed and IF proper masks are worn PROPERLY. Anything that can slow the spread of this wretched disease is to be appreciated.