Wearing masks is the single most effective public health measure in treating Covid, reducing the incidence by 53%, according to the first global study of its kind.
Vaccines are safe and effective and save lives worldwide. But they do not provide 100% protection, most countries have not vaccinated all of them and it is not yet known whether the vaccines will prevent the future transmission of new variants of the coronavirus.
A systematic review and analysis of non-pharmaceutical interventions has concluded that mask retention, physical distancing, and hand washing are all effective measures in curbing cases - mask retention is more effective.
"This systematic review and analysis suggests that some personal and social safeguards, including hand washing, masking, and physical distancing, are associated with reducing the incidence of Covid-19," the researchers wrote in The BMJ, a weekly medical journal. , one of the oldest medical journals in the world.
Results from more than 30 studies around the world were analyzed in detail, showing a statistically significant reduction - 53% of the incidence of Covid from wearing the mask and 25% from physical distancing.
Detailed analysis was not possible for other measures, including quarantine and isolation, worldwide blockades and border closures.
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