Social distancing and wearing of masks found effective in reducing COVID-19 risk, according to a new study published in the medical journal The Lancet.
New research suggests that physical distancing and the use of a mask remained the top ways to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.
Findings revealed that people must stay at least three feet apart and more if possible.
The study, paid for by the World Health Organization, disclosed three major results that involve social distancing and use of face masks as effective protection from COVID-19.
When it comes to social distancing, the chance of virus transmission at a distance of less than 1 meter was 12.8%. However, that becomes 2.6% at a distance of more than one meter. What is more effective is distances of two meters. The veracity of the evidence appeared "moderate."
For face masks, the likelihood of transmission without a face mask or respirator was 17.4%. That became 3.1% when a mask was worn. Meanwhile, the certainty of the evidence was found "low."
Moreover, the chance of transmission without eye protection was found at 16%, compared to 5.5% with some form of eye protection. Other devices are visor, face shield, goggles or glasses. Meanwhile, the certainty of the evidence was "low."
The team, led by Holger Schünemann of McMaster University in Canada, investigated 172 observational studies across 16 countries and six continents. These include studies in health care and community settings.
According to the researchers, the findings back a policy of physical distancing of at least 1 meter and, if possible, 2 meters. Their data could also be applied to inform models that forecast the spread of COVID-19 and aid in contact tracing schemes.
Trish Greenhalgh, a professor of Primary Care Health Services at the University of Oxford, noted that while all these results remained uncertain, the analysis suggests that social distancing and face masks are effective in preventing COVID-19.
WHO guidelines
"This is a major step forward in our knowledge, since previous meta-analyses were mainly based on prevention of influenza and other diseases, which don't behave the same way as the Covid-19 virus," she told the Science Media Centre in London.
"In all three questions, the evidence appears to support the measures. For example, on average, staying 1 meter away from other people appears to reduce your chance of catching Covid-19 by 80%. Wearing a mask or face covering appears to reduce your risk by up to 85%. And wearing goggles or a face shield seems to reduce it by up to 78%."
Tarik Jašarević, a WHO spokesperson, said the international health agency plans to update its recommends wearing masks, with some modifications likely to be released this week.
The alterations are "likely to touch on the best materials with which to make homemade masks, based on recent data from the US," he told CNN via email.
"WHO has maintained a focus on mask use where there is evidence that they can limit transmission, such as in health care settings. In fact, the new guidance may expand their use in these settings," he added.
