Despite the fact that most of the world knows the importance of face masks and how they can help to prevent the spread of Covid-19, there remains a select number of people from all over the world who still refuse to do so. Some have even justified their refusal of wearing a face mask based on the basis of human rights.
However, the importance of face masks cannot be understated. In a recent global study, it was revealed that face masks are the single most effective public health measure at tackling Covid-19 and can reduce incidence by 53%.
According to the peer reviewed study in the British Medical Journal, mask wearing, social distancing and handwashing are all effective measures at curbing cases, with mask wearing being the most effective.
“Several personal protective and social measures, including handwashing, mask wearing, and physical distancing are associated with reductions in the incidence of Covid-19.”
They said the results highlight the need to continue mask wearing, social distancing and handwashing alongside vaccine programmes.
Meanwhile, results from more than 30 studies also showed a 25% reduction with physical distancing. Whilst, handwashing indicated a 53% reduction in Covid incidence, although researchers said that this was not statistically significant on account of the small number of handwashing studies included.
“It is likely handwashing is a marker for several protective behaviours such as avoiding crowds, distancing and mask wearing. Findings from the observational studies might be better interpreted as the impact of a bundle of correlated protective behaviours,” said the researchers.
Other measures, such as lockdowns and closures of borders, schools and workplaces need further analysis to assess their potential negative effects on populations, according to the researchers at Monash University and the University of Edinburgh.
Funding on public health measures accounts for just 4% of global Covid research, said the editorial’s authors.
“Considering the central importance of public health measures and the uncertainties and controversies around them, this lack of investment is puzzling.”
With the influx of Covid-19 cases in the country, let’s not forget or dismiss the importance of face masks. If you happen to be going out in public spaces, do not forget to mask up.
Check out the study here.
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Also read: KJ: Continue To Wear Your Mask, Infectivity Rate On The Rise
