The controversial requirement for masks in public stores can cause uncertainty and sometimes anger. Kindness and respect go a long way as we navigate these uncertain times. It’s impossible to know by looking at someone why they are not wearing a mask. There are many who qualify for an exemption based on medical needs, including those with anxiety disorders.

We encourage everyone to practice kindness to all, the masked and unmasked, and to research the science deeply. Below you will find printable materials you can share to help encourage kindness.

*While GCVC does not support the wearing of masks by the general public as an effective or necessary measure, we do support everyone’s right to make fully informed personal decisions. And we encourage all who disagree with government orders to take appropriate action. Exercise and protect your freedom through your rights to free speech, file grievances, peacefully assemble, and vote in the upcoming elections.

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Do masks prevent the spread of infection? Comprehensive reviews say no.

Cochrane published a meta-analysis of "78 relevant studies"in January 2023, finding masks were largely ineffective in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The study revealed that wearing medical or surgical masks “may make little to no difference in how many people caught a flu-like illness/COVID-like illness.” Additionally, it found that "wearing N95/P2 respirators probably makes little to no difference in how many people have confirmed flu… and may make little to no difference in how many people catch a flu-like illness… or respiratory illness.”

 

A 2022 Brazil University study analyzing the "correlation between mask usage against morbidity and mortality rates" in Europe during the 2020-2021 winter reported, “countries with high levels of mask compliance did not perform better than those with low mask usage.”

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More resources on masks:

• August 2023 Children's Health Defense article with studies on mask efficacy and the risk to children

• March 2023 study from Germany, "Possible toxicity of chronic carbon dioxide exposure associated with face mask use, particularly in pregnant women, children and adolescents – A scoping review"

• May 2023 study, "Measuring the quantity of harmful volatile organic compounds inhaled through masks"

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Cochrane published a meta-analysis of "78 relevant studies"in January 2023, finding masks were largely ineffective in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The study revealed that wearing medical or surgical masks “may make little to no difference in how many people caught a flu-like illness/COVID-like illness.” Additionally, it found that "wearing N95/P2 respirators probably makes little to no difference in how many people have confirmed flu… and may make little to no difference in how many people catch a flu-like illness… or respiratory illness.”

 

A 2022 Brazil University study analyzing the "correlation between mask usage against morbidity and mortality rates" in Europe during the 2020-2021 winter reported, “countries with high levels of mask compliance did not perform better than those with low mask usage.”

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More resources on masks:

• August 2023 Children's Health Defense article with studies on mask efficacy and the risk to children

• March 2023 study from Germany, "Possible toxicity of chronic carbon dioxide exposure associated with face mask use, particularly in pregnant women, children and adolescents – A scoping review"

• May 2023 study, "Measuring the quantity of harmful volatile organic compounds inhaled through masks"

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Data lacking to recommend broad mask use

We do not recommend requiring the general public who do not have symptoms of COVID-19-like illness to routinely wear cloth or surgical masks because:

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• There is no scientific evidence they are effective in reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission

• Their use may result in those wearing the masks to relax other distancing efforts because they have a sense of protection

• We need to preserve the supply of surgical masks for at-risk healthcare workers.

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Sweeping mask recommendations—as many have proposed—will not reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission, as evidenced by the widespread practice of wearing such masks in Hubei province, China, before and during its mass COVID-19 transmission experience earlier this year. Our review of relevant studies indicates that cloth masks will be ineffective at preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission, whether worn as source control or as PPE.”

Is SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID19 disease, spread through airborne particles, as suggested in a study now making the news?

 

Investigative journalist, Jeremy Hammond, dove deep into the study and reports, "A study claiming to show that SARS-CoV-2 spreads mainly via airborne transmission and that mask-wearing orders work is based on a fraudulent premise." Read the in-depth article here.

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Download and share Kindness Cards

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