> The difference is profound: when taking the mask off you notice that there are _smells_ that have been filtered by the mask. Never had that experience with the ear loop kind.
I notice that with KN95 ear loop masks consistently.
That's interesting. Now I want to try to cook some onions with a mask on and see what I can smell - although I know aromatic compounds are pretty small.
> And if you're vaccinated, you're protected. So stop worrying about masks.
Better than not vaxxed, but with Omicron not nearly as well protected as against prior strains, and with both Omicron and Delta not protected against infection and retransmission enough not to be a public health risk if unmasked, even if your personal risk is low because of your combination to age, vaccination status, and general health.
> Better than not vaxxed, but with Omicron not nearly as well protected as against prior strains
...against symptomatic infection. The vaccines still provide excellent protection against severe outcomes. There is no debate on this point.
> with both Omicron and Delta not protected against infection and retransmission enough not to be a public health risk if unmasked
The vaccines still reduce risk of infection by 30% (if not more), even against Omicron. You need only look at the statistics from a state that breaks down by vaccination status to see that this is true. As of right now, the unvaccinated in NYC have a case rate of 3292 per 100k, and the vaccinated have a case rate of 457 per 100k -- a seven-fold reduction in risk of infection.
Masks are nowhere near this level of effect size. Worrying about masks after vaccination is the ultimate bikeshed. You've already done the thing that slashes your risk, and you're fixated on the thing that has almost zero evidence of effectiveness, because it's the thing you can see.
Prove it. Cite one study that shows added benefit after vaccination. Not a lab study. Not a study on rats or ferrets or mice or mannequins. A controlled study of humans, who are vaccinated, who are wearing masks in the real world.
You've had two years now. It's time to stop making things up, and back up your claims with data.
I notice that with KN95 ear loop masks consistently.