A new BYU analysis of more than 115 studies has found that face masks are a powerful tool to stop the new coronavirus and control COVID-19.
- The analysis, conducted by the Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences of the Faculty of Life Sciences, found that the masks could also accelerate the economic recovery from the pandemic, which forced thousands of companies across the country to close his step.
Here are the key points from the BYU analysis:
- According to BYU, there is compelling evidence from field observations and experiments that wearing masks reduces the spread of COVID-19 to the public and healthcare workers.
- The masks prevent infected people from spreading the virus due to respiratory drops, which are released when we cough, speak, or breathe. Research shows that 90% of droplets carry the virus.
- The masks are highly safe and have rare side effects.
- However, masks are not the only way to stop the virus. According to BYU, other tactics are also needed, such as “physical distancing, frequent handwashing, rapid testing, and coordinated contact tracing.”
- The use of face masks could reduce the growth rate of COVID-19, which “would avoid the need for a second round of economic closings,” according to BYU. This could result in an economic benefit of approximately $ 1 billion.
Key quotes:
- “Masks could be one of the most powerful and cost-effective tools to stop COVID-19 and accelerate the economic recovery.”
- The masks are highly safe, with only minor and rare side effects, ”the analysis said. “In addition to many medical studies, public masking has been shown to be safe among children, adults, and the elderly in cultures where this practice has long been common.”
- “There is now compelling evidence from multiple controlled experiments and field observations that wearing masks reduces COVID-19 transmission for healthcare workers and the public. Most of this evidence is specific to COVID-19 and has emerged in recent months. “
