Originally
posted by
Buch:
Mask wearers spread the rona... Change my mind
There has not been a single documented transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (the actual virus that causes the disease COVID-19) via fomite. It is now abundantly clear that transmission is almost entirely via air borne droplets (I say almost, because as a scientist, we never deal in absolutes). Wearing a mask reduces the dispersion of those droplets (the extent being based on many factors, but even the most standard mask will reduce it to some extent). You can wear it as much as you like, you can kiss it, fondle it, lick it, wipe your nose (or a$$, not recommended) with it, and the chance of you spreading SARS-CoV-2 is miniscule (and as I have already stated, this has yet to be even documented).
Being infected and not wearing that mask however is an almost guarantee that you will infect all those around you. Again, many factors involved here, but essentially a closed space with poor air circulation and loud voices is a recipe for almost guaranteed transmission after longer than about 20 minutes. I myself caught it last March from an indoor cycling class..not a fun experience and I'm pretty young and in good shape.
This is now common knowledge for those of us that work with SARS-CoV-2 and keep up with the literature. A quick search of COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 and masks at Pubmed will provide you with the literally 100's of papers you will need to show you that wearing mask most certainly does not spread SARS-CoV-2, and wearing it will help you control this nasty virus.
Anyway, stay safe and wear a mask when you are in a situation where you can transmit, if not for ypourself, then as an example to those around you.