Physical distancing, face masks, and eye protection to prevent person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis
OrthoEvidence Journal (OE Journal) - ACE Report
OE Journal. 2020;8(13):9 Lancet. 2020 Jun 27;395 (10242):1973-1987.What this means for my practice?
The results revealed that physical distancing of more than 1m is associated with a decrease in transmission of in viruses, including COVID-19. Face masks, especially N95 or similar masks, provide protection from transmission of viruses, including COVID-19. Moreover, eye protection overall also provides additional protection in decreasing virus infection; however, limitations remain including a lack of randomized control trials included in the analysis and most data used in the study came from research on SARS and MERS. Thus, further high-quality research is required.
Study Summary
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.
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