Sydney, November 18 : .While vaccines can save lives and are effective in protecting against Covid around the globe, a new study has shown that wearing masks may be the best public health precaution to reduce the risk of this deadly disease.An international research team from Australia, China, and the UK conducted an analysis of non-pharmaceutical measures to curb cases.The most successful were mask wear, social distancing, and handwashing.
Monash University and Edinburgh researchers analysed over 30 studies and discovered a statistically significant 53% reduction in Covid incidence with mask wear; and a 25% reduction when physical distancing is used.A significant 53% reduction in Covid incidence was also observed when handwashing is done.
The researchers published their paper in BMJ.
These findings are coming as many countries relax their masking requirements in order to improve vaccine efficacy.Experts warn against lifting mandates for masking.Although vaccines are safe and effective, most do not provide 100 percent protection.
It is not yet known how vaccines can prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in future, due to emerging variants.
Researchers said that public health prevention strategies will continue to be the best choice in disease prevention until herd immunity is achieved to Covid-19, despite the high rates of vaccination.
This was especially true in areas with low Covid-19 uptake.
They noted that public health initiatives to implement public-health measures must consider the needs of the community and the socio-cultural context.
Future research will be needed to improve our understanding of the effectiveness of public and covid-19 vaccine vaccinations.
Comparative studies in Hong Kong showed a statistically significant decrease in Covid-19 related to mask wear than other countries.
Another experiment in 15 states in the US reported a 2 percent statistically significant decrease in Covid-19 transmission over 21 days.A cross-sectional study found that mask-wearing was associated with greater control of SARS/CoV-2 transmission.
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