Question: Are surgical masks effective against spreading COVID 19?

Answer passage (source: WHO):
page_title: Q&A: Masks and COVID-19
section_headers: What types of masks are used against the spread of COVID-19?
section_content: Medical masks (also known as surgical masks): these are made from a
minimum of three layers of synthetic nonwoven materials, and configured to
have filtration layers sandwiched in the middle. These masks are available in
different thicknesses, have various levels of fluid-resistance and two levels
of filtration. These medical masks reduce the transfer of saliva or
respiratory droplets from the wearer to others and to the environment. They
also decrease the likelihood of potentially infectious droplets from others
reaching the mouth and nose of the mask wearer.
Hand hygiene should be performed before putting on a clean mask and after
removing the mask. These masks should be worn tightly around the chin and top
of the nose. The wearer should avoid touching the mask while it is on the face
and the mask should be immediately discarded if it becomes moist. Importantly,
wearing a mask must be combined with other preventive measures including
performing frequent and appropriate hand hygiene and physical distancing of at
least 1 metre (3 feet).
Respirators (also known as filtering facepiece respirators --FFR) and
available at different performance levels such as FFP2, FFP3, N95, N99):
these are specifically designed for healthcare workers who provide care to
COVID-19 patients in settings and areas where special medical procedures are
undertaken. Respirators are intended to protect the wearer when these medical
procedures aerosolize smaller particles than normal droplets into the air in
the health treatment area. Healthcare workers should be fit tested before
using a respirator to ensure that the respirator is sealed tightly on the
wearer’s face and is properly fitted. Respirators with valves should not be
used as the purpose of source control.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
There is a good amount of information about surgical masks in this passage, but the answer doesn't seem to be definitive.
While this answers discusses what surgical masks are, it does not answer the question on if they are effective.

Reviewer ratings:
Acceptable
Could be Improved

Answer passage (source: WHO):
page_title: Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
section_headers: Does WHO recommend wearing medical masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
section_content: Currently, there is not enough evidence for or against the use of masks
(medical or other) in healthy individuals in the wider community. However, WHO
is actively studying the rapidly evolving science on masks and continuously
updates its guidance.
Medical masks are recommended primarily in health care settings, but can
be considered in other circumstances (see below). Medical masks should be
combined with other key infection prevention and control measures such as hand
hygiene and physical distancing.
Healthcare workers
Why? Medical masks and respirators such as N95, FFP2 or equivalent are
recommended for and should be reserved for, healthcare workers while giving
care to patients. Close contact with people with suspected or confirmed
COVID-19 and their surrounding environment are the main routes of
transmission, which means healthcare workers are the most exposed.
People who are sick and exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19
Why? Anyone who is sick, with mild symptoms such as muscle aches, slight
cough, sore throat or fatigue, should isolate at home and use a medical mask
according to WHO’s recommendation on home care of patients with suspected
COVID-19. Coughing, sneezing or talking can generate droplets that cause can
spread the infection. These droplets can reach the face of others nearby and
land on the surrounding environment. If an infected person coughs, sneezes, or
talks while wearing a medical mask, this can help to protect those nearby from
infection. If a sick person needs to go to a health facility they should wear
a medical mask.
Anyone taking care of a person at home who is sick with COVID-19
Why? Those caring for individuals who are sick with COVID-19 should wear a
medical mask for protection. Again, close, frequent and prolonged contact with
someone with COVID-19 puts caretakers at high risk. National decision makers
may also choose to recommend medical mask use for certain individuals using a
risk-based approach. This approach takes into consideration the purpose of the
mask, risk of exposure and vulnerability of the wearer, the setting, the
feasibility of use and the types of masks to be considered.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
The passage does talk about surgical masks and gives a lot of information.  However, the answer doesn't appear to be definitive.
The question is answered thoroughly by the answer provided, although does not refer to masks as "surgical."

Reviewer ratings:
Acceptable
Acceptable

Answer passage (source: WHO):
page_title: Q&A: Masks and COVID-19
section_headers: What are non-medical masks and what is their use?
section_content: Non-medical masks are often homemade of breathable fabrics and can be
commercially available as well. There are numerous designs for fabric masks,
but they generally cover the nose and mouth, are secured with ties or elastic
loops, include multiple layers of fabric, and can sometimes be washed and re-
used.
The evidence about the benefits of these masks is limited. One good quality
study showed that the risk of respiratory infection is increased (and not
reduced) in health care workers using cotton cloth masks when compared to
medical masks. Cloth masks are currently being recommended by some countries
as a means of source control in the general population. Although their
protective effectiveness to the wearer is unknown, they may protect others if
the wearer is a pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic carrier.
WHO is continuing to gather and review data as new studies become available
and will update guidance accordingly.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
The answer isn't really definitive, but there is a lot of information about surgical masks.  I think the information given would help anyone with this question.
This answer, while answering the question, does give a bit of information but likely could expand more on the question itself.

Reviewer ratings:
Acceptable
Acceptable