Are Face Masks Effective in the Community?

An update to a living rapid-review published by the Annals of Internal Medicine published on August 27, 2020, found evidence on face mask effectiveness for respiratory infection prevention is stronger in healthcare than community settings. Previously, randomized trials in community settings found possibly no difference between N95 versus surgical masks and probably no difference between surgical versus no mask in the risk for influenza or influenza-like illness, but compliance was low.

Update #2 found 'no new studies evaluated the effects of face mask use and risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection in community settings.'

Note: The authors of this manuscript are responsible for its content. Statements in the manuscript do not necessarily represent the official views of or imply endorsement by AHRQ or HHS. No industry conflicts of interest were disclosed.