In response to research casting doubt on the efficacy of face masks in preventing the spread of COVID, Dr. Anthony Fauci was confronted for comment by a newscaster.
This past weekend, CNN anchor Michael Smerconish asked Fauci about a study from The Cochrane Institute that came out in January,
Tom Jefferson, an epidemiologist at Oxford and the study’s lead author was quoted in an opinion piece by Bret Stephens in The New York Times as saying there was insufficient evidence supporting the effectiveness of masks and criticizing mask mandates as being based on flawed studies.
But, Fauci said, there is other research, and some of these evaluations concentrate on the individual.
That is when Fauci explained his position using fuzzy math.
According to Fauci, the research is not as strong when assessing the influence of the epidemic or pandemic. When taking precautions about contracting or avoiding spreading the disease to others, he claims multiple research support the advantages.
One should ask oneself, does not the data on the effectiveness of masks come from the individual’s data? The “whole” is a collection of individuals.
Headlines earlier this year cited the Cochrane research, which found that face masks were only moderately effective in stopping the spread of COVID-19. This followed the introduction of strict mask regulations during the epidemic.
In March, Cochrane Library editor-in-chief Karla Soares-Weiser replied to claims that the research revealed masks don’t function by saying such claims were erroneous and misleading.
During a rise in COVID cases and the introduction of a novel variation, Fauci, the veteran NIAID director and the former top medical advisor to President Joe Biden, voiced worry that individuals were not following health guidelines.
If the number of reported cases rises, government agencies like the CDC advise the public to wear masks.
