section_path: Prevention/Face masks and respiratory hygiene
section_name: Face masks and respiratory hygiene
paragraph_text: Face masks and respiratory hygiene
  
  In community and healthcare settings, the use of face masks is intended as source control to limit transmission of the virus and for personal protection to prevent infection. Properly worn masks both limit the respiratory droplets and aerosols spread by infected individuals and help protect healthy individuals from infection.
  
  Reviews of various kinds of scientific studies have concluded that masking is effective in protecting the individual against COVID-19. Various case-control and population-based studies have also shown that increased levels of masking in a community reduces the spread of SARS-CoV-2, though there is a paucity of evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Masks vary in how well they work. Fitted N95s outperform surgical masks, while cloth masks provide marginal protection.