This rapid systematic review of evidence asks whether (i) wearing a face mask,(ii) one type
of mask over another and (iii) mandatory mask policies can reduce the transmission of …

Background Viral epidemics or pandemics of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) pose a
global threat. Examples are influenza (H1N1) caused by the H1N1pdm09 virus in 2009 …

Background: Optimal use of masks for preventing COVID-19 is unclear. Purpose: To update
an evidence synthesis on N95, surgical, and cloth mask effectiveness in community and …

Masks are essential and effective small protective devices used to protect the general public
against infections such as COVID-19. However, available systematic reviews and …

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted some potential limitations of transmission-based
precautions. The distinction between transmission through large droplets vs aerosols, which …

This narrative review and meta-analysis summarizes a broad evidence base on the benefits—
and also the practicalities, disbenefits, harms and personal, sociocultural and environmental …

During the pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-
CoV-2), mitigation policies for children have been a topic of considerable uncertainty and …

Regulations for measures to protect against SARS-CoV-2 transmission vary widely around
the world, with very strict regulations in Germany where respirators (filtering face piece FFP2 …

Background As face masks became mandatory in most countries during the COVID-19
pandemic, adverse effects require substantiated investigation. Methods A systematic review …

The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on the world, causing widespread illness
and death. Focusing on prevention strategies to limit the spread of the disease remains …