Using face masks will dramatically slow coronavirus spread, Whatcom graphic shows
Two scenarios shown at the Whatcom County Health Department website illustrate the importance of wearing masks or face coverings as a way to limit the spread of COVID-19 during the new coronavirsus pandemic.
Graphs posted last weekend show a sharp decline in new COVID-19 infections if most people follow a statewide order that requires face coverings or masks be worn in public indoors — such as stores and offices — and outdoors where social distancing can’t be maintained.
With lower mask use, COVID-positive case counts could surpass 1,900 every day within three months, as opposed to about five positive tests daily with a higher rate of mask use, the Health Department said on its website.
“One thing we’ve learned is that mask use seriously reduces transmission rates, perhaps by as much as 50% to 75%,” the Health Department said. “And if that’s the difference between 10 infected people transmitting the virus to 14 others — or just seven, it means a lot.”
One graph uses data from early June, showing an estimated 46% mask use among Whatcom County shoppers and that masks or face coverings are 75% effective at preventing disease transmission. That scenario projects daily COVID-positive test results will be above 1,900 on Oct. 1.
A second graph assumes 80% mask use with that same effectiveness rate. That scenario projects daily COVID-positive test results will be five on Oct. 1.
“These numbers make it clear that small differences early on can make a huge difference over time,” the Health Department said. “A lot can happen in three months, things can change dramatically.”
No information was provided on who developed these transmission models or how they were produced, except that they were produced in Whatcom County.
A recent spike in COVID-19 infections has been traced to larges parties in northern Whatcom County where masks weren’t worn, and people infected at those parties — mostly under age 29 — went to their jobs and infected co-workers and customers, Lautenbach said at the press conference.
No COVID-19 infections were traced to recent Black Lives Matter marches and rallies that have drawn hundreds and in one case several thousand people, county Health Director Erika Lautenbach told The Bellingham Herald during a June 19 press conference.
A total of 78 positive cases were reported in the seven-day period from June 20-26, the most recent figures available Monday, June 29, from the state’s COVID-19 data dashboard.
That spike in positive COVID-19 cases meant that Whatcom County couldn’t meet requirements to advance to Phase 3 reopening of businesses when it became eligible Friday.
