Masks increase risk of viral infection: "We found that the incidence of self-reported COVID-19 was 33% (aRR 1.33; 95% CI 1.03 – 1.72) higher in those wearing face masks often or sometimes, and 40% (aRR 1.40; 95% CI 1.08 – 1.82) higher in those wearing face masks almost always or always, compared to participants who reported wearing face masks never or almost never."

The Cochrane Collaboration, the most respected evidence analysis organization in the world, wrote a 327 systematic review on the highest quality studies on masking and respiratory viruses. What did it find? No effect. (Black diamond does not cross center line = no effect.)