DHEC says data prove face masks sharply slow coronavirus spread in SC
Over the past month or so, South Carolina has seen its daily case counts of COVID-19 drop consistently from a high of more than 2,300 to less than 1,000.
And according to newly released data from the Department of Health and Environmental Control, that decline has been driven by falling numbers in cities, towns and counties that require face masks, while those without such ordinances are still seeing increases.
DHEC announced Tuesday that in the 12 counties and 62 municipalities across the state that have implemented some kind of mask ordinance, the weekly number of new cases has declined 43% when compared to the weekly average number five weeks ago.
By comparison, counties and municipalities without mask rules have seen weekly new case counts rise slightly by 1.2% when compared to an average week of data five weeks ago.
“The data continues to reinforce what we’ve already known about proper wearing of masks and their success in helping to stop the spread of this deadly virus,” Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC physician, said in a statement.
On Aug. 12, DHEC noted that areas with mask requirements had seen a 15.1% decrease in cases from four weeks prior, compared to a 30.4% increase in ones without. Since then, the state’s daily case count hasn’t surpassed 1,028 and has gone 10 days without cracking 1,000, the first time that’s happened since mid-June.
Nearly 40% of the state’s population, approximately 2 million people, live in areas with masks ordinances in effect.
Gov. Henry McMaster has consistently declined to implement a state-wide mask rule, saying it would be “unenforceable” and was best left up to local governments. However, he announced July 29 that all restaurants in the state must require masks for employees and patrons, and he urged counties and municipalities to enact their own mask requirements.
According to CNN, 34 states now require face masks or coverings while in public.
DHEC officials also warned Tuesday that not all face masks are equally effective, citing a recently released study from Duke University that observed a high count of droplets passing through a neck gaiter, a circular fabric tube designed to be slipped on over the head, worn around the neck and pulled up over the mouth and nose.
“Wearing a mask every day in public is critical, however, not all face coverings provide the same protection. A recent study by Duke University shows that neck gaiters may be among the least effective types of face coverings for preventing the spread of respiratory droplets,” Traxler said in a release.
Still, the researchers behind that study have stressed that it is not a “systematic study of masks,” according to the Duke Chronicle, and DHEC added that the type and quality of material used in a gaiter or any facial covering is crucial.
This story was originally published August 25, 2020 at 4:58 PM.
