The Free Press
NewslettersSign InSubscribe

Share this post

The Free Press
The Free Press
The Real Science on Masks: They Make No Difference
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
The Real Science on Masks: They Make No Difference
Cashiers wear protective masks in a grocery store in New York City on April 2, 2020. (Stephanie Keith via Getty Images)
Face coverings do nothing to reduce the spread of Covid, according to a new, gold standard scientific review.
By John Tierney
02.27.23
941
1,262

Share this post

The Free Press
The Free Press
The Real Science on Masks: They Make No Difference
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More

We now have the most authoritative estimate of the value provided by wearing masks during the pandemic: approximately zero. The most rigorous and extensive review of the scientific literature concludes that neither surgical masks nor N95 masks have been shown to make a difference in reducing the spread of Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses.

This ve…

Maintaining The Free Press is Expensive!
To support independent journalism, and unlock all of our investigative stories and provocative commentary about the world as it actually is, subscribe below.
Already have an account?
Sign In
John Tierney
John Tierney is a contributing editor to City Journal and the co-author of "The Power of Bad: How the Negativity Effect Rules Us and How We Can Rule It.”
Tags:
Science
Comments
Join the conversation
Share your thoughts and connect with other readers by becoming a paid subscriber!
Already a paid subscriber? Sign in

No posts

For Free People.
LatestSearchAboutCareersShopPodcastsVideoEvents
©2025 The Free Press. All Rights Reserved.Powered by Substack.
Privacy∙Terms∙Collection notice

Share

Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More