But why if scientific studies do not show it makes a difference?

In fact, some have shown that wearing masks make you more likely to get the illness. However, they suggested it may be because of a false sense of security by taking more risks in closer proximity.

Just as well carry a rabbit's foot in your pocket.

What scientific studies show that it doesn't make a difference?

Do you have a link to such valid scientific studies?

Seems like I need to check out more closely the links you already provided and also google for any scientific studies that says the opposite.

As kland asked for any links to scientific studies to the contrary, I decided to go with google before checking out the links previously provided in this thread and came across the following with their own links to other sites:

https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2020/06/4...es-science-behind-how-face-masks-prevent

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/covid-19-mask-efficacy-chart/

Snopes says "Mostly False" but not completely false and then states the following:

What's True
The CDC recommends wearing a cloth face mask in public to help slow the spread of coronavirus.

What's False
The percentages displayed in this chart cannot be accurate because no scientific consensus exists on the efficacy of homemade masks in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

What's Undetermined
The efficacy of face masks against the spread of COVID-19 is unknown.

It is the unknown factor that concerns me. My wife and I are at an age where we need to take all the precautions available to us, which in this case is the wearing of masks at grocery stores, etc. where social distancing could be a problem, not to mention that mask wearing is mandatory where we live.

Mask wearing is mandatory across Canada.
Wearing one at the grocery store isn't that big of a deal -- at least if you don't spend more than a half hour shopping --
though it is a nuisance .

When it becomes a problem is when you have to wear it for hours at a time.
Mask wearing IS NOT HEALTHY.
It limits your breathing.
Your body gets rid of stuff in the lungs when one breathes out --
with a mask the person breaths the dispelled air back in, again and again.
If one has any type of viruses in their throat or lungs, the body has a difficult time getting rid of it, as it just keeps getting breathed back in.
Also --- most people don't wear their masks right.
How many carry one in their back pocket, or on the dash of their car, to pull out when they enter a store.
How many germs did that mask pick up and then get placed over the persons intake openings so they can breath them in for an hour or more.

Those common masks do NOT stop the virus. It says so (at least used to say so) right on the package.


There are studies that show prolonged mask wearing is bad for ones health.
Of course the damage usually isn't seen right away -- though head aches and dry throats are negative symptoms. But just like smoking doesn't destroy a person in a day, the effects are cumulative.