[MRM]

That compilation does not examine N95 use. The article tends to use the terms "mask" and "cloth mask" interchangeably so it's not clear they're comparing apples to apples. Also, the article just compared infection rates in areas that had mask use or mask mandates and found no significant infection difference. That doesn't meant that masks don't provide protection, it just means that if they provide protection they have to be used all the time. There are studies showing certain cloth masks don't block the virus and don't provide protection for the wearer. There are no studies that say N95s offer no protection. To the contrary, all studies show that N95 masks are effective at blocking large particle transmission, and are unable to stop only the portion of the virus that has become aerosolized.

It's clear that the virus has some component of aerosol to it, which nothing but a Hazmat level respirator would block, but it's also clear that the primary source of transmission is by large droplets. The droplets are blocked by an N95 filter even though the virus itself is smaller. The best protection available to normal people who have to go into public is a properly fitted N95 mask, eye covering, and good hygiene.