Some of the people on here questioning mask use, it's laughable and ridiculous.
If they cannot see that a mask can/ will limit the number of potential droplets/ aerosols or whatever containing a virus, then they've got much bigger issues. If this extremely basic concept is not understood without being able to see a study (and there are studies and a mass of examples), then there are zero points in providing studies or examples as they will either go over their heads, they won't read them, they won't acknowledge them or they're intentionally avoiding it as it does not fit their narrative.
Even if a mask prevented 20% of aerosols/ droplets, this would mean that it would directly reduce covid-19 infections, it has to, purely on a mathematical/ probability point of view, and it basically cannot do the opposite.
Do they seriously think that pretty much every developed and responsible nation is mandating mask use, just for the craic?
They're either:
Conspiracy nuts
Morons who can't see the common sense in it
Incapable of understanding risk, and risk v reward
Trying to provoke a reaction, or on a wind-up, which would be extremely poor form
Don't want to see or approve the logic of it, as it does not fit their narrative
Sometimes things do not need massive studies, as it's such blindingly obvious common sense, that it's going to help. Any help is a bonus, a reduction of just 5% will have a massive impact, even more, when multiplied at other things reducing risk, like the hand washing and social distancing.
Wating for a year of a pandemic, or not wearing masks for a full winter so you can carry out a study is ludicrous. When you only have one shot at something you should go on the side of caution, until you know otherwise, you do this even more if what is being asked poses next to zero additional hardship (like masks do).
It's risk v reward, it's as simple as that.
Do masks cause 99.9% of people a problem? No, wear the mask, it's not going to kill you.
Do masks reduce aerosols and liquid particles leaving a person? Yes, wear the mask, it's not going to kill you.
Do masks reduce aerosols and liquid particles entering a person? Maybe, wear the mask, it's not going to kill you.
Questioning something which is so logical just spreads disinformation or illogical thoughts to others, this gets latched onto, disinformation spreads and then the virus spreads, it's basic probability.