The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on April 13 that it couldn’t find evidence whether N95 or similar medical-grade masks protect clinically vulnerable people from becoming seriously ill from COVID-19.
Unlike a regular loose-fitting surgical mask, an N95 respirator is designed to fit tightly to form a seal around the nose and mouth. It’s also very efficient in filtering airborne particles.
Researchers at the government agency screened some 50 studies published by Sept. 14, 2021, and had previously been examined in a separate UKHSA review on the effectiveness of all face coverings in all people against transmission of COVID-19.
They also searched for papers and preprints published by Sept. 26, 2022, identifying a further 4,371 studies, but none looked at the efficacy of the specific type of masks in protecting the cohort.
“No studies matching the inclusion criteria were found, so no evidence could be presented,” the review concluded.
It noted that researchers didn’t include evidence from other infectious diseases such as influenza, and that they didn’t conduct an extensive search of sources other than databases of peer-reviewed and preprint articles.
It also noted that a previous rapid review concluded that face coverings in general could reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
“I do not understand why there’s been a lack of will to do high-quality trials in this area,” he told the publication.
“For those people at low risk, these questions don’t necessarily matter too much, but if you’re at high risk, you really want this question to be addressed,” he said. “You want to know the answer.”
The Masks Controversy
Mask-wearing, especially mask mandates for all, was one of the controversial restrictions that was deployed in many countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.Some studies suggested that masks are effective in preventing COVID-19 transmission, while some question the amount of benefit.
Apart from arguments around the benefits and harms of wearing masks, the issue of mask-wearing has also become a political issue during the pandemic following masking mandates.
The reluctance towards mask-wearing in the Western world has often been attributed to the populaces’ more individualistic tendencies, but the changes in the guidance from governments and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have also fueled the opposition to masks.
The guidance said a medical mask, used correctly, can limit the spread of certain respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, but the method alone is insufficient and can “create a false sense of security that can lead to the neglect of other essential measures, such as hand hygiene practices.” It also mentioned “unnecessary costs and procurement burdens” as one of the considerations.
Apart from the masking mandate, guidance to wear masks was also in place for schools, effectively meaning most students were forced to wear masks in school.