According to recent research by scientists from several universities in the United States, the SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads mainly through the air, and wearing masks is the most effective way to prevent transmission from person to person.
The research team, consisting of five members from Texas A&M University, the University of California, San Diego, and the California Institute of Technology, compared the trends of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Italy and New York both before and after mask-wearing became mandatory. The findings showed that the infection rate significantly decreased when people were required to wear masks outdoors.
Calculations indicated that this measure prevented more than 78,000 new cases in Italy from April 6 to May 9 and over 66,000 new cases in New York from April 17 to May 9.
The study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States states: “Wearing masks in public is an effective measure to prevent person-to-person transmission. This inexpensive measure, combined with social distancing and isolation, presents a good opportunity to curb the COVID-19 pandemic before a vaccine is officially developed.”
According to scientists, the coronavirus can spread through direct contact with droplets when a person coughs or sneezes, or through indirect contact with surfaces that infected individuals (after coughing or sneezing) touch.
To determine the primary mode of transmission of the virus, researchers analyzed trends in infection rates in Wuhan, Italy, and New York by examining the countermeasures implemented in these locations, such as widespread testing, isolation, contact tracing, social distancing, and mandatory mask-wearing.
They then compared when these measures were implemented. In Wuhan, they were introduced simultaneously. In contrast, in Italy and New York, they occurred at different times.
They found that the infection rates in Italy and New York only began to slow down after the mandatory mask-wearing requirement was established, not after Italy declared a lockdown or after New York mandated residents to stay home.
The study notes that unlike China, mask-wearing was not common in Western countries at the onset of the pandemic. Ultimately, they also acknowledged that masks can indeed slow the spread of the coronavirus in the community.
The study states: “Current measures such as social distancing and isolation implemented in the United States are not sufficient to protect the public.”
According to data from Johns Hopkins University, as of June 14, New York City had at least 209,000 cases of SARS-CoV-2 and over 17,000 deaths. The number of positive cases, hospitalizations, and deaths has gradually decreased since New York reached the peak of the outbreak in early April. On June 9, the city officially ended its lockdown and eased many restrictions to begin reopening.
Recently, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte also announced that the country is easing lockdown measures and allowing the organization of professional sports events such as the Coppa Italia football tournament. Other facilities may also reopen from June 25, including summer camps, nurseries, and betting venues. Some non-professional sports involving physical contact may also soon resume activities.