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COVID-19, green space exposure, and mask mandates
Diana S Grigsby-Toussaint1, Jong Cheol Shin1
1Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America; Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America.
The Science of the Total Environment
|April 21, 2022
Summary
Statewide mask mandates and green space access were linked to lower COVID-19 incidence. Environmental factors like air pollution and social vulnerability also impacted virus spread.
Area of Science:
- Environmental science
- Public health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mask-wearing and social distancing are key COVID-19 prevention strategies.
- Adherence to these measures in the US may be influenced by green space availability and state-level mask mandates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between statewide mask mandates and green space exposure with COVID-19 cumulative incidence in the US.
Main Methods:
- COVID-19 case data and statewide mask mandates were collected for US counties in October 2020.
- Green space was measured using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and tree canopy data.
- Generalized linear and spatial regression analyses were performed, adjusting for environmental and socioeconomic factors.
Main Results:
- Counties with mandatory mask policies showed lower COVID-19 cumulative incidence.
- Higher precipitation and PM 2.5 levels were associated with increased COVID-19 incidence, while tree canopy exposure was linked to lower incidence.
- Socially vulnerable populations experienced higher COVID-19 incidence.
Conclusions:
- Mandatory mask policies, green space exposure, and reduced air pollution may decrease COVID-19 incidence.
- Public health strategies should address environmental conditions contributing to COVID-19 risk, particularly for vulnerable groups.
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