Evaluating the Impact of New York's Executive Order on Face Mask Use on COVID-19 Cases and Mortality: a Comparative Interrupted Times Series Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

On April 17, 2020, the State of New York (NY) implemented an Executive Order that requires all people in NY to wear a face mask or covering in public settings where social distancing cannot be maintained. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended face mask use by the general public, there is a lack of evidence on the effect of face mask policies on the spread of COVID-19 at the state level.

Objective

To assess the impact of the Executive Order on face mask use on COVID-19 cases and mortality in NY.

Design

A comparative interrupted time series analysis was used to assess the impact of the Executive Order in NY with Massachusetts (MA) as a comparison state.

Participants

We analyzed data on COVID-19 in NY and MA from March 25 t

SUBMITTER: Li L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7837644 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature