The Abstract

#19: Unmasking the Facts About Face Masks


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Just as we begin to recover from 2020’s tidal wave of perpetual pandemic panic, experts warn about a potential “second wave” of coronavirus.  However, you may not have to restock on the extra toilet paper, alcohol, and video games just yet. Luckily, a resurgence isn't totally inevitable or out of our control. 


As public health experts keep reminding us, there is a cheap but powerful tool in our arsenal to stop this dreaded boomerang effect in its tracks: face masks.   While viral mask movements call for immediate, universal adoption of face masks by the public, science confirms that if only half the population covered up, a second wave of Covid-19 could be entirely prevented. 


Welcome to the Abstract podcast. I’m Tanya Bustos,  your host. 


Our first story is about the research showing face masks can dramatically curb Covid-19 cases if at least 50% of people wear them.  While masks aren’t a catch-all, experts stress they’re one of the most effective, practical tools to beat back Covid-19 — especially in resource-strapped areas of the world.


Our second story looks at how to further get this mask-message across.  Through a series of interconnected pro-mask initiatives that stretch from the United States to Czech Republic, viral movements are looking to change mask policies around the world — and some are succeeding. 


Read more at Inverse.com:


Find links to all the stories discussed in today’s episode at inverse.com/the-abstract


FACE MASKS FIGHT VIRUS:

https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/face-masks-to-fight-coronavirus-second-wave


MASK MOVEMENT:

https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/social-media-pro-mask-movement-coronavirus


Subscribe to Inverse Daily, our free weekday email with the latest science and innovation news at inverse.com/newsletter


Follow Emma Betuel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/emmakbetuel


Follow Ali Pattillo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/alipattillo


Follow Inverse on Twitter: https://twitter.com/inversedotcom


We're hosted and produced by Tanya Bustos https://twitter.com/tanyapodcasts


Thank you for listening!


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