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Depends on the mask. Most masks are crap, only by MarkinSeattle

those that have an actual rating and are form fitted to faces have much of an effect. Most masks people wear don’t filter out particulates to a low enough level to provide much protection.

A rating of N95, N99, N100, R95, R99, R100, P95, P99 and P100 all are tested and effective to different degrees at preventing airborne transmission down to 0.3 microns in size. The N95 filters out 95% of microns 0.3 or larger in size while the N100 filters out 99.97% of particulates 0.3 microns or larger in size. The N series doesn’t filter out oil based particulates, while the R is resistant to oil and the P series are oil proof (COVID has a lipid coating which is oil based, although it is attached/encapsulated in a moisture droplet when it is exhaled).

To put it another way, most masks sold let in 2-4 droplets per 10 in the air (or more depending on the material it is made from). The N95 lets in 1 out of 20. The P100 let’s in 1 out of 3,000.