{"id":7200,"date":"2023-09-14T18:59:55","date_gmt":"2023-09-14T18:59:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.cov19longhaulfoundation.org\/?p=7200"},"modified":"2023-09-14T18:59:55","modified_gmt":"2023-09-14T18:59:55","slug":"association-of-american-physicians-and-surgeons-mask-mandates-ineffective-against-respiratory-viruses-harmful-and-infringe-on-informed-consent-rights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cov19longhaulfoundation.org\/?p=7200","title":{"rendered":"Association of American Physicians and Surgeons: Mask Mandates Ineffective Against Respiratory Viruses, Harmful, and Infringe on Informed Consent Rights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Jim H\u1d0fft<\/a> Sep. 13, 2023 11:00 am<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons<\/strong><\/a> (AAPS) has released a statement challenging the effectiveness and ethicality of mask mandates for respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. The AAPS argues that not only are these mandates ineffective in stopping the spread of respiratory viruses, but they also pose potential health risks and infringe upon individuals\u2019 rights to informed medical consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AAPS<\/strong><\/a> is a non-partisan professional association of physicians in all types of practices and specialties across the country, created in 1943.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe AAPS statement of Patients\u2019 Freedoms<\/strong><\/a> provides that patients have the right to be informed about the risks and benefits of any medical intervention, and have the right to refuse medical treatment,\u201d according to the press release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe use of masks and other face coverings, as a public health measure or otherwise, are a type of medical intervention to which the above informed consent rights apply.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cGovernment recommendations and mandates regarding face coverings have been contradictory, provided to the public as authoritative without evidence, are in conflict with the available data<\/strong><\/a>, and neglect to mention any potential harm from use of coverings or masks,\u201d the association added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In challenging the effectiveness of masks in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19, the AAPS cited a Cochrane systemic review<\/strong><\/a>. The review found no clear evidence suggesting that medical or surgical masks were effective in reducing respiratory viral infections among healthcare workers when compared to N95\/P2 respirators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The AAPS statement also delved into the potential harm that can result from prolonged mask usage. Drawing on over 60 studies and reports<\/strong><\/a>, it listed several areas of concern:<\/p>\n\n\n\n