Swiss Cheese model of COVID prevention
From New York Times article
Over on Nextdoor, people are (as usual) arguing about masks, in this case, at the local post office branch. The statement: My (grandpa, friend, aunt) wore a mask but still got COVID so masks don’t work and I’m not going to wear one.
The facts:
Masks by themselves are no guarantee against infection. In fact, no single protective effort is a guarantee. We need to think about coronavirus protection as a series of layers, each of which has holes. But taken together, they can stop the virus from spreading. This is called the “Swiss cheese” model. Masks are one of the cheapest, easiest layers. In combination with keeping a distance, improving ventilation, minimizing contact time, etc., they work. No one ever said that if you wear a mask but then spend an hour indoors in close proximity to a coronavirus carrier (even if masked), that you’ll avoid infection.
Facial coverings are a tool, not a panacea. Don’t expect them to save you from other stupid decisions. But don’t dismiss them, either. They are cheap and easy, making them a valuable layer of protection among other layers that can be a lot harder (such as remodeling the ventilation system in a building).
Image source: NYT
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Amy Rogers, MD, PhD, is a Harvard-educated scientist, novelist, journalist, and educator. Learn more about Amy’s science thriller novels, or download a free ebook on the scientific backstory of SARS-CoV-2 and emerging infections, at AmyRogers.com.
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