Riassunto dello studio

Forty-four studies were included in this meta-analysis with a total of 25,697 patients. The primary outcome of interest was the risk of virus transmission which was defined by the WHO-defined confirmed or probable COVID-19, SARS, or MERS in people infected in community settings (healthcare and non-healthcare settings). Other outcome of interest included contextual factors. All studies were observational, and no randomized control trials were identified. The results revealed a close association between the proximity of an infected person and risk of virus transmission whereby a distance of 1m or greater decreases the risk of transmission. Furthermore, medical or surgical masks can both protect against virus transmission, including COVID-19; yet, N95 masks provided stronger protection. Eye protection also protects against virus transmission. Therefore, this study demonstrates the protective benefits provided from physical distancing, face masks, and eye protection covers. However, a limitation of this study is that only non-randomized studies were included, and that most data used in the study came from research on SARS and MERS. Thus, further high-quality research focusing on COVID-19 is needed.