New Study Finds Wearing Masks Are The Best Way To Reduce COVID-19 Spread

NEW YORK – Masks seem to be the most effective way to reduce person-to-person spread of COVID-19, according to a new study published Thursday.

Researchers in Texas and California looked at infection rates in Italy and New York before and after face masks became mandatory.

Both places saw a slower spread of the virus once those measures were in place.

The study found that wearing a mask prevented more than 7,800 infections in Italy between April 6 and May 9.

In New York, masks prevented more than 6,600 infections between April 17 and May 9.

Scientists say face coverings block aerosols and droplets to prevent airborne transmissions of the virus.

Although social distancing, isolation, and hand sanitizing can minimize contact transmission, they don’t protect against airborne transmission.