2% difference is statistically insignificant, especially in a study where the variables and controls weren’t properly identified. If the last 2 years demonstrated anything about the CDC, it’s that they are just another example of gov’t bureaucracy incompetence.Ineffective is not the same limited effectiveness, which is what the CDC said in their study quoted in May 2020. In the early days of the pandemic, limited effectiveness was much better than not effective because there was no other tool in place.
Also, even if face masks were effective, people have something called eyes that are an entry point for airborne viruses.