Masks, the jury returns
RCTs did not show a clear reduction in respiratory viral infection with the use of medical/surgical masks.
There were no clear differences between the use of medical/surgical masks compared with N95/P2 respirators in healthcare workers,
when used in routine care to reduce respiratory viral infection.
Do physical measures such as hand-washing or wearing masks stop or slow down the spread of respiratory viruses?
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/…
Evidence published up to October 2022.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3vY2LyQn1A
In short - masks, whether N95 or paper/cloth made no difference in preventing Coronavirus/flu-like illnesses.