Evidence that masking and physical distancing work

6 years ago

A review of 172 studies from 16 countries confirmed previous anecdotal assumptions about steps we can take to prevent coronavirus transmission, finding that wearing a face mask and maintaining physical distance significantly reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19. The first-of-its-kind study found the risk of transmitting the virus without a mask or respirator is 17.4 percent, but with a mask that falls to just 3.1 percent. Keeping a distance of less than 1 meter (3.3 feet) and no other protective measure carried a transmission risk of 12.8 percent, cut to 2.6 percent when the distance was more than 1 meter and even lower at 2 meters (6.6. feet). There was also a sharp cut in risk with eye protection. "On average, staying 1 meter away from other people appears to reduce your chance of catching COVID-19 by 80 percent," Oxford University's Trish Greenhalgh, who wasn't involved in the study, tells CNN. "Wearing a mask or face covering appears to reduce your risk by up to 85 percent. And wearing goggles or a face shield seems to reduce it by up to 78 percent." [CNN, Today]

Source: The Week

Featured Answer

lucillle

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

That hasn't made any difference where I live, there are still less than one positive case per day and a total of 2 deaths.

How do you know it hasn't made any difference where you live? I'm assuming you live in a low density area but saying your low statistic means precautions are fruitless is an error because there is no comparison, it could be higher or lower depending on precautions or the lack thereof.

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Comments (14)

User
6 years ago
That hasn't made any difference where I live, there are still less than one positive case per day and a total of 2 deaths.
kadefol
6 years ago
Thanks for posting this. Cases were pretty low in our smallish community until many people decided opening the economy = no more virus and no more precautions needed. We've now tripled cases and had our first Covid-19 death yesterday. Husband and I are definitely going to continue to wear masks and social distance until there is an effective treatment or vaccine.
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Elmer J Fudd
6 years ago
More nonsense from the same source.
wildchild2x2
6 years ago
sephia_wa
6 years ago
"That hasn't made any difference where I live, there are still less than one positive case per day and a total of 2 deaths."

So maybe try thinking about higher populated areas. Seattle started out being a hotspot, but with social distancing and masks, it's not. Our rate of infection and deaths have declined over time. See March and April? Now see June?
Annie Deighnaugh
Original Author
6 years ago
Well it's certainly helped in NYC and surrounding states which were the worst hit in the nation.
lisa_fla
6 years ago
Where were the above pics from? I found data from May 23 and forward. I read there was the highest day yet thus week. Are those states still in lockdowns? Our state moved to phase 2 yesterday. Universal and smaller theme parks opened. I think between the openings and the protest cases will continue to rise.
Annie Deighnaugh
Original Author
6 years ago
They are from endcoronavirus.org
User
6 years ago
Scientific method requires a control group for comparison. Without that the "evidence" is just speculation and assumptions.
sephia_wa
6 years ago
Just like your assertion that where you live is Covid-free?
Elmer J Fudd
6 years ago
You're a special person in so many ways.
User
6 years ago
Sephia - you are wrong. I have repeatedly said that we have had less than one case per day, only two hospitalizations and only two deaths. And yes, there are still counties in my state that report zero cases. The state started reporting cases on 2/16, that was 112 days ago and the count here is almost half that number.
arcy_gw
6 years ago
We are living in the middle of the history of Covid-19. The absolute scientific facts will not be known until we look back and time has passed. Until then we have no choice but to do what the science indicates and what makes sense for the majority. It is now believed this is purely airborne!! All that wiping crap down was silly--from the beginning but it made some feel better. Masks are a barrier between me and you. They are a barrier between you and me. Why is this too much to ask? I did not wipe things down..I only put me in jeopardy. Masks are good for ALL. We have to open up the economy to the extent we can, we just have to..if masks and social distance reduces spread we have to all comply. Not to makes no sense!!

Evidence that masking and physical distancing work

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