American Journal of Medical and Clinical Sciences. 2021; 6(1):(43-126)


Impact of Retrospective Face Mask Usage on COVID-19 Infections and Deaths in the United States

Yelena Sahakian, Tehreem Khaliq, Noopur Walia, Sara Mehmood and Ateequr Rahman

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate whether the implementation of face mask as a mitigation strategy earlier, as opposed to in April, would have made an impact on the number of COVID-19 cases and related mortality in the United States.

Material and Methods: A Decision tree (Markov Modeling) was performed utilizing the Tree age Software®. The data which was used for Markov Modeling was collected from Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center (CRC) and the CDC from February 1st through April 15th.

Results: Earlier use of face masks would have saved lives, prevented infections, and restricted the exponential spread of infections later in the pandemic. Had face masks been instituted on March 15th, 679,302 infections would have been prevented, and 31,863 lives would have been saved by April 15th. Similarly, had we instituted face masks on April 1, 527,123 infections would have been prevented, and 27,328 lives would have been saved by April 15th.

Conclusions: This study points to the missed opportunity of earlier initiation of the mitigation strategy of face mask use, with March 15th being a critical breakpoint. Face mask use must be strictly adhered to prevent the spread of infections and deaths due to Coronavirus.

Most Viewed Article
  • Evaluation of Effectiveness of Modified Pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Performed on Children with Cerebral Palsy by a Home-Treatment Program
    Hiroshi Tanabe, Hirofumi Tanabe, Shosaku Okuda, Toshimasa Mikawa, Yoshimi Sakurai, Yuichi Takata.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4226/25001

  • Risk Factors Associated with the Onset of Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with A History of Gestational Diabetes at The University Hospital of Kinshasa
    Tandu Umba A, Mbungu Mwimba R, Kahindo Muyayalo P, Mbangama Muela A, Lumaya Ambis J, Mwimba Mbungu N, Kelele Goy Sambwa, Lukunda Diansambu P, Kinkenda Nsiangangu B.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4226/24025

  • Crisis of Soul II
    Julian Ungar-Sargon
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4226/24024

  • The Importance of Family Involvement in the Treatment of Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
    Eda Gorbis, Jenny C Yip, Aanya Jajoo.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4226/24023

  • Double Diabetes: Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome in Sudanese Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
    Alaa Ali Elsharief Hammad, Abdelaziz SI, Salih H. S. Hamid.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4226/24022

Most Downloaded
  • Evaluation of Effectiveness of Modified Pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Performed on Children with Cerebral Palsy by a Home-Treatment Program
    Hiroshi Tanabe, Hirofumi Tanabe, Shosaku Okuda, Toshimasa Mikawa, Yoshimi Sakurai, Yuichi Takata.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4226/25001

  • Risk Factors Associated with the Onset of Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with A History of Gestational Diabetes at The University Hospital of Kinshasa
    Tandu Umba A, Mbungu Mwimba R, Kahindo Muyayalo P, Mbangama Muela A, Lumaya Ambis J, Mwimba Mbungu N, Kelele Goy Sambwa, Lukunda Diansambu P, Kinkenda Nsiangangu B.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4226/24025

  • Crisis of Soul II
    Julian Ungar-Sargon
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4226/24024

  • The Importance of Family Involvement in the Treatment of Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
    Eda Gorbis, Jenny C Yip, Aanya Jajoo.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4226/24023

  • Double Diabetes: Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome in Sudanese Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
    Alaa Ali Elsharief Hammad, Abdelaziz SI, Salih H. S. Hamid.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4226/24022