Analysis Investigates Effectiveness of Masks, Eye Protection, and Social Distancing

Research, recently published in the Lancet, evaluates the efficacy of wearing masks and eye protection, as well as social distancing in reducing spread of the novel coronavirus. The meta-analysis found a significant decrease in infection rates when N95 masks or other face masks were worn. The N95 respirators were the most effective against viral transmission compared with other face coverings, especially in healthcare settings. The wearing of eye protection also decreased infection risk from 16% to 5.5%. Physical distancing of at least 1 yard was helpful in reducing infection risk, and this benefit increased in correlation with larger distances. The authors reviewed more than 170 studies covering six continents in their meta-analysis. Read more here.