I would agree with Ben although there sure isn't much light between what he's saying and what Vinay said.
However, perhaps the more interesting thing is that if one takes the study at face value, the reported 3% risk reduction, even if statistically significant, is actually completely insignificant in practical or public health terms. Fur…
I would agree with Ben although there sure isn't much light between what he's saying and what Vinay said.
However, perhaps the more interesting thing is that if one takes the study at face value, the reported 3% risk reduction, even if statistically significant, is actually completely insignificant in practical or public health terms. Further, the reported time period was very short. In reality over a period of say 2 years it is almost certain that one will get some sort of viral upper respiratory tract infection, and over the period of say 5 years it is guaranteed that one will get Covid (which right now is no more than a mild to bad cold). In that light would anybody consider a reduction from 100% risk to 97% risk worth wearing a mask. Now if a mask produced a 90% reduction in absolute risk then we would be talking. Even 50% might be worthwhile, but 3% seriously!
I would agree with Ben although there sure isn't much light between what he's saying and what Vinay said.
However, perhaps the more interesting thing is that if one takes the study at face value, the reported 3% risk reduction, even if statistically significant, is actually completely insignificant in practical or public health terms. Further, the reported time period was very short. In reality over a period of say 2 years it is almost certain that one will get some sort of viral upper respiratory tract infection, and over the period of say 5 years it is guaranteed that one will get Covid (which right now is no more than a mild to bad cold). In that light would anybody consider a reduction from 100% risk to 97% risk worth wearing a mask. Now if a mask produced a 90% reduction in absolute risk then we would be talking. Even 50% might be worthwhile, but 3% seriously!