"Mask Wearing Has a Decisive Impact on Reducing COVID-19 Mortality Rates"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] A study has found that wearing masks plays a decisive role in reducing the COVID-19 mortality rate.

On the 25th, the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that researchers at Miyazawa Clinic in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, based on data collected by the UK market research firm YouGov, found that wearing masks significantly lowers the mortality rate. The Japanese researchers stated that mask-wearing had a decisive impact, influencing COVID-19 mortality by as much as 70%. The study results were published on the preprint site Medrxiv.org.

Nevertheless, according to a YouGov survey conducted in more than 20 countries, the proportion of people who reported wearing masks in public places exceeded 90% in Asian countries, while in the UK it was only 21%, showing significant differences between countries. In China, not wearing masks in public places is strictly prohibited, and some foreigners not wearing masks have been arrested for violating regulations. In Japan, most people wear masks to prevent COVID-19 infection, but it is not illegal to not wear a mask.

The Japanese researchers explained, "Wearing masks is the most powerful way to reduce COVID-19 mortality," adding, "The earlier mask-wearing starts, the better. About 80% of COVID-19 deaths reported in early June were among people who did not wear masks well around mid-March." They also noted, "People with higher body fat tend to avoid wearing masks more," explaining, "Obese individuals need to inhale about 50% more air daily than average people, so they may find wearing masks uncomfortable."

Earlier this month, researchers at the California Institute of Technology also stated through other studies that "face masks are the most effective means to prevent person-to-person transmission of COVID-19." Additionally, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington School of Medicine projected that the number of COVID-19 deaths in the US could reach about 180,000 by October 1, but if 95% of Americans wear masks, the death toll could be reduced to 146,000.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.