No harm, no foul when it comes to masks?

The February issue of “Imprimis” contains a lengthy commentary by Scott W. Atlas, M.D., about the effects of the shutdowns and about masks. A question arises concerning a physician’s mandate to “First do no harm.” Given what we are continuing to learn about the COVID-19 virus there is room to ask: Was the cures worse than the bite?

“Those who insist that universal mask usage has absolutely proven effective at controlling the spread of the COVID virus and is universally recommended according to "the science’ are deliberately ignoring the evidence to the contrary.” Citing infectious disease scientists and public health organizations, as well as the WHO, Dr Atlas emphasizes that “There is no scientific evidence that mask mandates work to slow the spread of the disease.”

The harm to school children (poor learning, suicidal ideation, etc) as well as missed critical surgeries, four-fold increases in depression and a doubling of suicidal ideation, skyrocketing domestic and child abuse , and the projection for an increase in the customary mortality rate are also discussed. Further effects are expected to continue into the future. As in Galileo’s time, “… the root of our problem lies in ‘the experts’ and vested academic interests.”

It was good news to learn that the Panhandle Health District board recently voted to end its ill-advised mask mandate. Perhaps they realized the harm they were causing and have decided to learn more themselves about the reliable and honest scientific evidence.

JEREMY CONLIN

Cocolalla