Increasing mask usage to 80% of the population was postulated to prevent at least 15% of the predicted deaths across regions and variant scenarios. The social distancing mandate reimposition scenario would have only been mildly or moderately effective. In the variant-specific booster intervention scenario, the targeted booster had a minimal impact, with only a 3.2% reduction in global COVID-19 mortality.
Combining the mask use and mandate reimposition scenarios would have averted up to 36% of estimated COVID-19 deaths by June 2023. This joint intervention scenario would have prevented 5.44 million deaths in the DeltaCron scenario and a minimum of 19% of estimated deaths across all regions and variant scenarios.
Notably, increasing mask usage was associated with substantial reductions in infections and mortality rates, whereas mandate reimposition mildly/moderately reduced future COVID-19 burden. Combining these two interventions led to an even more significant impact than individually. Above all, the analysis showed that simple interventions, including masking and social distancing mandates, could be critical tools against COVID-19.
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A recent report estimates transmissions of infectious diseases are increasing globally due to the spread of misinformation...putting the lives of millions of unvaccinated children at risk.
Remember the adage from your childhood?
"Coughs and sneezes spread diseases."
Take responsibilty: wear a mask, get a jab.
Simples.