This is statistically significant and, we believe, probably a low estimate of the effectiveness of surgical masks in community settings.

Ashley Styczynski

Our study is the first randomized controlled trial exploring whether facial masking prevents COVID-19 transmission at the community level, it’s notable that even though fewer than 50% of the people in the intervention villages wore masks in public places, we still saw a significant risk reduction in symptomatic COVID-19 in these communities, particularly in elderly, more vulnerable people.

Ashley Styczynski