> On the other hand, "observational data show that regions or facilities with a higher percentage of the population wearing masks have better control of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (7–9)." So how to explain these contrasting results and apparent inconsistencies?
My hypothesis regarding surgical mask prevalence and how it correlates with better virus control:
People who wear masks--however effective they may be--also behave in other ways to limit the spread. They minimize time spent in public indoor spaces, they keep distance from other people, they're more likely to self-quarantine if a family member is sick, etc.
The mask-wearing prevalence is a proxy for how serious the wearer takes Covid as a threat.
My hypothesis regarding surgical mask prevalence and how it correlates with better virus control:
People who wear masks--however effective they may be--also behave in other ways to limit the spread. They minimize time spent in public indoor spaces, they keep distance from other people, they're more likely to self-quarantine if a family member is sick, etc.
The mask-wearing prevalence is a proxy for how serious the wearer takes Covid as a threat.