Examining the interplay between face mask usage, asymptomatic transmission, and social distancing on the spread of COVID-19.

ABSTRACT: COVID-19's high virus transmission rates have caused a pandemic that is exacerbated by the high rates of asymptomatic and presymptomatic infections. These factors suggest that face masks and social distance could be paramount in containing the pandemic. We examined the efficacy of each measure and the combination of both measures using an agent-based model within a closed space that approximated real-life interactions. By explicitly considering different fractions of asymptomatic individuals, as well as a realistic hypothesis of face masks protection during inhaling and exhaling, our simulations demonstrate that a synergistic use of face masks and social distancing is the most effective intervention to curb the infection spread. To control the pandemic, our models suggest that high adheren

SUBMITTER: Catching A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8346500 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature