1. surgical masks are pretty ineffective, but N95 and better masks are very effective, subject to proper use and quality control
2. Mask research and experience pre-COVID in the West was not widely understood by non-experts even in the medical field. Which led to all sorts of doctors with huge egos getting onto Youtube and misinforming people with their poor grasp of science and studies. (Most doctors are not medical sceientists, but artisans).
3. Then look at the huge number of studies since 2020 and you will find that indeed when a study looks at the correct masks ued properly, they work as intended. the biggest problem is the meatsack using the masks, because most of them are not diligent or kind enough to use them.
4. We should allow scientists and medical practitioners to make a mistake, and own up to it to make 180 degree u-turns. This means ghey are using data and experience to update their beliefs, which is good science.