Badea, A; Groot, G; Muhajarine, N; Howell-Spooner, B; Young, C. What is the evidence for the effectiveness of universal mask use in the pediatric population? 2021 Sep 30, Document no.: EOC210901 RR. In: COVID-19 Rapid Evidence Reviews [Internet]. SK: SK COVID Evidence Support Team, c2021. (CESTtable).
Studies conducted before mass vaccination campaigns began have reported proper and consistent facemasking by students and staff in school settings are associated with reduced incidence of school-associated transmission or seropositivity.
Fewer studies have reported efficacy of facemasking in the post-mass vaccination period in school settings. The studies available report, however, school-associated transmission were lower, less than 1% secondary attack rate in schools.
Studies of school-associated COVID-19 cases find community exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and/or noncompliance with multiple mitigation measures (e.g. facemask policies, distancing, non-isolation, etc) are key factors of clusters and outbreaks in children.
Badea, A; Groot, G; Muhajarine, N; Howell-Spooner, B; Young, C. What is the evidence for the effectiveness of universal mask use in the pediatric population? 2021 Sep 30, Document no.: EOC210901 RR. In: COVID-19 Rapid Evidence Reviews [Internet]. SK: SK COVID Evidence Support Team, c2021. 14 p. (CEST rapid review report).
Badea, A; Groot, G; Howell-Spooner, B; Young, C. What is the evidence for the effectiveness of universal mask use by the public? 2020 Dec 1; Document no.: EOC062301v3 RR. In: COVID-19 Rapid Evidence Reviews [Internet]. SK: SK COVID Evidence Support Team, c2020. 33 p. (CEST rapid review report)
Badea, A; Groot, G; Dalidowicz, M; Miller, L. What is the evidence to support the reprocessing and re-use of N95 respirators by healthcare workers? 2020 Nov 20; Document no.: PPE110201 RR. In: COVID-19 Rapid Evidence Reviews [Internet]. SK: SK COVID Evidence Support Team, c2020. 19 p. (CEST rapid review report)
Laboratory testing of expired masks maintain an acceptable filtration performance with less than 2% failing testing in a study of nearly 4,000 masks from 93 lots
Another study assessing stockpiled N95 masks in Taiwan found acceptable filtration up to 13 years post storage
Guidelines indicate that expired N95 respirators should be used before resorting to extended use/reuse
Badea, A; Groot, G; Dalidowicz, M; Miller, L. What evidence is available regarding degradation of N95 respirators/masks? 2020 Nov 20; Document no.: PPE110203 RR. In: COVID-19 Rapid Evidence Reviews [Internet]. SK: SK COVID Evidence Support Team, c2020. 15 p. (CEST rapid review report)
Mask wearing causes respiratory changes in respiration efforts, air resistance and sensation of dyspnea, but these do not appear to be clinically significant
A number of studies have assessed the use of N95 masks under low-moderate work conditions, concluding that mask wearing is well tolerated by healthy individuals
Limited evidence in special populations indicates that those with very severe conditions may be unable to tolerate mask wearing
Badea, A; Groot, G; Young, C; Miller, L. What are the risks of long-term and/or continuous mask use? 2020 Oct 20; Document no.: EOC102001 RR. In: COVID-19 Rapid Evidence Reviews [Internet]. SK: SK COVID Evidence Support Team, c2020. 21 p. (CEST rapid review report)
The evidence to support medical exemptions for mask wearing is limited.
The predominant discourse revolves around a risk-based approach that considers the potential benefits and harms for individuals; few absolute exceptions to masking have been advocated.
Masks are one part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the spread of SARS CoV-2 infection and should be viewed in the context of other public health measures including physical distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
Williams-Roberts, H; McLean, M; Groot, G; Young, C; Mueller, M; Miller, L. What evidence is there to support medical exemptions for mask wearing? 2020 Sep 17; Document no.: EOC091101 RR. In: COVID-19 Rapid Evidence Reviews [Internet]. SK: SK COVID Evidence Support Team, c2020. 20 p. (CEST rapid review report)
Badea, A; Groot, G; Dalidowicz, M; Young, C. What is the evidence for the effectiveness of face masks for preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the community? 2020 Apr 6; Document no.: EOC040601 RR. In: COVID-19 Rapid Evidence Reviews [Internet]. SK: SK COVID Evidence Support Team, c2020. 8 p. (CEST rapid review report)
