The use of the mask halves the incidence of Covid-19, while respecting the spacing reduces it by a quarter. A review of 72 studies published in the British Medical Journal, with lead author Stella Talic of Monash University in Australia, decrees the effectiveness of these non-pharmacological protective measures, as well as proper hand hygiene. The authors believe that precautions such as masks and distances should be maintained, in parallel with the enhancement of vaccinations. As for more stringent restrictions such as lockdowns, border or school closures, the researchers believe further evaluations are necessary, also to understand the possible benefits compared to the potential negative effects on the population.
Of the studies analyzed, 35 (34 observational and one randomized controlled) investigated single public health measures and 37 investigated multiple measures combined. Of the first 35 jobs, 11 were conducted in Asia, 9 in the United States, 7 in Europe, 3 in the Middle East, 3 in Africa, one in South America and one in Australia. The results of 8 of these 35 searches were analyzed in detail, indicating “one statistically significant 53% reduction in the incidence of Covid-19 with the use of the mask and a 25% reduction with physical spacing“. Even with hand hygiene, a substantial 53% reduction in the incidence of Covid emerged, although the figure was not statistically significant” once corrected taking into account the number of jobs examined. “However, a detailed analysis was not possible for other measures, such as quarantine and isolation, generalized lockdowns and closure of borders, schools and workplaces – the scientists report – due to differences in study design, measurement of results and quality “.
The conclusion is therefore that “personal and social measures including hand washing, mask use and physical distancing are effective in reducing the incidence of Covid-19”. The heavier restrictions, on the other hand, “must be carefully evaluated by weighing the potential negative effects on the general population”. According to the authors, “further research is also needed, aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of public health measures after the achievement of adequate vaccination coverage”.