  The coronavirus pandemic (COVID) has been an exceptional test of current
scientific evidence that inform and shape policy. Many US states, cities, and
counties implemented public orders for mask use on the notion that this
intervention would delay and flatten the epidemic peak and largely benefit
public health outcomes. P-value plotting was used to evaluate statistical
reproducibility of meta-analysis research claims of a benefit for medical
(surgical) mask use in community settings to prevent COVID infection. Eight
studies (seven meta-analyses, one systematic review) published between 1
January 2020 and 7 December 2022 were evaluated. Base studies were randomized
control trials with outcomes of medical diagnosis or laboratory-confirmed
diagnosis of viral (Influenza or COVID) illness. Self-reported viral illness
outcomes were excluded because of awareness bias. No evidence was observed for
a medical mask use benefit to prevent viral infections in six p-value plots
(five meta-analyses and one systematic review). Research claims of no benefit
in three meta-analyses and the systematic review were reproduced in p-value
plots. Research claims of a benefit in two meta-analyses were not reproduced in
p-value plots. Insufficient data were available to construct p-value plots for
two meta-analyses because of overreliance on self-reported outcomes. These
findings suggest a benefit for medical mask use in community settings to
prevent viral, including COVID infection, is unproven.
