The global impact of COVID-19 has led to numerous studies of mask effectiveness to decrease virus transmission. How do these studies inform our COVID-19 response here in Pitkin County? To help answer that question, Pitkin County Public Health has compiled a report summarizing scientific evidence supporting the use of masks in reducing the spread of COVID-19.
The report covers a variety of evidence from many types of studies. Laboratory studies focus on the physical properties of different types of masks and how they perform as a barrier to inhaling or exhaling respiratory droplets and aerosols containing SARS-CoV-2 virus particles. Modeling studies estimate the impact of mask mandates and differences in percentages of people wearing masks on COVID-19 infections and deaths. Epidemiological studies include case and disease investigation studies as well as intervention studies. There is also a section dedicated to studies of the impacts of masks in school settings. There are links to all studies at the end of the report.
Read the English version here.
Read the Spanish version here.
