Former US chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci dodged a question when asked about a study about masks not stopping the spread of COVID-19. .“When you’re talking about the effect on the epidemic or the pandemic as a whole, the data are less strong,” said Fauci in an interview on CNN. .The video starts off with CNN host Michael Smerconish saying New York Times columnist Bret Stephens examined a study about masks. .Oxford University epidemiologist and study co-author Tom Jefferson said the most rigorous, comprehensive analysis of scientific studies conducted on the efficacy of masks for reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses was published in August. .“There is just no evidence that they make any difference,” said Jefferson. .“Full stop.” .While the lower-quality surgical and cloth masks have less efficacy, Stephens questioned if the N-95 masks worked. Jefferson admitted it makes no difference. .In the case of mask mandates, Stephens said there were studies which persuaded politicians to impose them. Jefferson said politicians were convinced by unscientific studies. .“How do we get beyond that finding of that particular review?” said Smerconish. .Fauci said in July that the COVID-19 vaccines did not work well against fighting the virus. .READ MORE: Fauci said vaccines do not stop the spread of COVID-19.He argued the vaccines help protect people from COVID-19 symptoms and not the transmission. .“There’s no doubt the vaccines themselves, particularly vaccine plus a booster at the appropriate time when you become eligible for a booster, for more than one booster,” he said.
