Evidence Grows That Masks Essential in Battling COVID-19 Spread

Two studies take closer look at role of mask-wearing in preventing illness


Arguments continue over the role masks can play in controlling the spread of the coronavirus, but in healthcare facilities, personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential in protecting front-line workers and other employees from the illness. Now more evidence is emerging that supports the efficacy of wearing masks to hep slow the spread of COVID-19.

Infection Control Today recently looked at the stark differences in Kansas between counties that decided to mandate mask wearing and those that didn’t. Kansas counties that did not mandate the wearing of masks had much higher incidence of infection and hospitalization due to COVID-19.

And a study in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), expands the scope of the mask mandate examination, with CDC investigators comparing COVID-19 hospitalization rates in 10 states before and after those states issued mandates that residents must wear a mask when outside their home and that masks must be worn by workers in retail businesses and restaurants.

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February 16, 2021


Topic Area: Infection Control


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