Data Shows Wearing Masks Could Save Hundreds of Rhode Island Lives

Data Shows Wearing Masks Could Save Hundreds of Rhode Island Lives

 

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) is an independent global health research center at the University of Washington. They have developed a mathematical forecasting model to project COVID infections, deaths, and hospitalizations. They have recently updated their forecast models to include the impacts of mask-wearing.

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In Rhode Island, between now and December 1 they predict that over 200 lives could be saved (3,315 vs 2,893 deaths) with universal mask-wearing, and up to 500 lives if a worst-case scenario of COVID infections were to happen (3,415 vs 2,893 deaths).

On Tuesday at a press briefing, Governor Dan McKee did not rule out mandating masks.

Looked at another way, if Rhode Islanders do not wear masks, between 200 and 500 more of us could die just by December 1 than would otherwise be killed by COVID. 

Nationwide, 50,000 lives could be saved by December 1 if we all wore masks during this dangerous Delta variant surge.

Similar benefits would be seen with reducing infections and hospitalizations by wearing masks.

It is within our control to save hundreds of Rhode Island lives and prevent tens of thousands of needless COVID infections. All we have to do is wear masks indoors.

McKee could demonstrate wise, forward-thinking leadership by following the lead of many other states that have already implemented mask mandates, including New York, Connecticut, California, Illinois, Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, and even Louisiana.

 

Nick Landekic is a retired scientist and biotechnology executive with over 35 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.