New Study: COVID-19 Spread Could Be Controlled If Everyone Wore Mask

OCEAN COUNTY – The Ocean County Health Department brought attention to a new study that estimated the spread of COVID-19 could be controlled in 4-8 weeks if everyone wore a mask.

  The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Robert Redfield, said in a July 14 interview with the Journal of the American Medical Association that “the United States could bring the COVID-19 epidemic under control in just a matter of 4 to 8 weeks if everyone would wear a mask.”

  Part of the CDC report followed two stylists who had COVID-19 and were showing symptoms. They wore face masks. Their 139 clients who also wore face masks had no symptomatic secondary cases. There were 67 of them tested, and they all tested negative.

  “After more than 3 months of study and research, the scientific community continues to confirm that masks/face coverings do work in mitigating the transmission of the COVID-19 virus,” said Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department Public Health Coordinator/Health Officer. “The OCHD is always providing our residents the most up-to-date information and guidance we can share to better educate them that wearing masks and social distancing are the only key measures we have in place to keep people protected and safe from transmission. Until we find a vaccine or cure, only the consistent and correct use of face coverings, when appropriate, is an important tool for minimizing spread of COVID-19 from pre-symptomatic, asymptomatic, and symptomatic persons.” 

  Gov. Phil Murphy has mandated face coverings in outdoor situations as well, when social distancing is not possible.

  Ocean County’s number of positive COVID-19 cases are in a steady decline right now, officials said. However, the summer tourist season is upon us, and with the reopening of businesses and activities, people are neglecting safety precautions like masks that could put themselves and others at risk. This could lead to a major setback.

  “Only time will tell if the entire country can control the spread by getting all the states on the same page when it comes to social distancing and mask mandates,” said Patty High, OCHD Assistant Public Health Coordinator. “Here in Ocean County we have our own job to do and the Ocean County Health Department will continue to do its part urging every resident to not get complacent and help keep the number of positive cases on a steady decline by wearing a face covering and social distance.” 

  To find out more about the recent CDC report visit: cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6928e2.htm

Additional information can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/summary.html

or New Jersey Department of Health website state.nj.us/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml

  The Ocean County information on COVID-19 can be found at ochd.org. The OCHD is also providing a general COVID-19 Information Call Hot Line for residents and clinicians to answer questions regarding the coronavirus. The number is 732-341-9700 ext. 7411. 

  The NJDOH (NJPIES) hotline is available for questions around the clock at 1-800-222-1222 or by dialing 2-1-1. Other related sources; for medical COVID-19 questions call 1-800-962-1253 (24/7) or Text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive alerts.