A meta-analysis of individual studies has shown that masks can reduce disease transmission by 40 per cent | It is not essential for the masks to high-end ones like N-95 as a simple cloth mask will also be effective | The modelling has forecasted that in the worst-case scenario, India may report 492,380 COVID-19 deaths by December 1 | The deaths would occur mainly because of easing of lockdown restrictions and the use of masks at the current level
Extensive use of masks and maintaining social distancing measures can prevent at least 2 lakh COVID-19-related deaths in India by December 1.
This was revealed in new modelling of COVID-19 pandemic in India.
The data released on August 29has underlined the critical need for the public to comply with the use of face masks, maintain social distancing norms and other COVID-19 guidelines issued by the Centre to prevent the spread of the virus.
The modelling of the viral outbreak has been carried out by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington.
"Meta-analysis of individual studies has shown that masks can reduce disease transmission by 40 per cent for individuals and in aggregate, at population level you can see results for India," quoting Dr Christopher Murray from IHME, Hindustan Times reported.
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"The use of masks doesn’t impede any economic activity. Besides, it’s extremely cost-effective," he added.
He further stated that it is not essential for the masks to high-end ones like N-95 as a simple cloth mask will also be effective.
The modelling has forecasted that in the worst-case scenario, India may report 492,380 COVID-19 deaths by December 1.
The deaths would occur mainly because of easing of lockdown restrictions and the use of masks at the current level, the modelling further forecasted.
"If the healthcare crisis deepens, 13 states are staring at over 10,000 Covid-19-related deaths each by December 1," the modelling further warned.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) data has shown that so far 62,550 COVID-19 patients have succumbed to the infection.
"In the best-case scenario, the deaths can potentially come down to 2,91,14," the modelling suggested.
For the COVID-19 tally to improve, the modelling has suggested a few dos and some don'ts.
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