In between everything I think I learned some stuff in here. But I got a question that no one seems to address, at least I can't find it as it pertains to the studies above. If a mask is 95% effective, then it is ineffective for 5 out of 100 exposures, right. So it seems to me if a person desires not to get COVID they should not be in contact with other people, or at least keeping it to an absolute minimum with both parties masked up.
Correct, and I am not even sure of the 95% effectiveness, it depends on the mask, distance, and length of exposure; but they absolutely decrease your risk (just as seat belts decrease risk of death in an automobile accident or not smoking decrease your risk of cancer, does not eliminate risk, only decreases). Many individuals with impaired immunity and other very high risk individuals have been doing exactly as you say.
It is all about decreasing your risk and the risk to your family and others as much is tolerable - if you are wearing a mask, I am wearing a mask and we are > 6 to 10 feet apart, outside for a brief encounter, risk is relatively (very?) small. If you and I are in a crowded bar, no masks, talking at high volume, cheering at the game on the TV, well, pretty risky behavior, and we have not only put ourselves at risk, but now our families that we go home to.
Cheers