Observation of spectators' mask-wearing behavior at a national basketball tournament

1.Mass gathering events have resumed with the availability of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. However, the pandemic is ongoing and such events potentially contribute to upsurges in COVID-19 cases. There is mounting evidence that public health mitigation strategies such as mask requirements, capacity restrictions, and physical distancing reduce transmission risk. However, evidence suggests imperfect compliance with these strategies. This study aimed to quantify spectators' masking behaviors and identify correlates of mask-wearing during a major sporting event.

2.This study used a repeated cross-sectional design, in which trained observers used a web-based application to record counts of mask-wearing.

3.Overall, 74% of spectators observed correctly wore masks. Mask-wearing behavior was associated with presumed sex, location of the spectator, game competitiveness, and whether the teams playing originated from a state with an active mask mandate.

4.Understanding the factors associated with masking behavior may help venues prepare for future events and identify innovative and targeted strategies to promote compliance with public health mitigation measures.

5.This study makes contributions to understanding how to manage public health risks during a high-profile sporting event, specifically by identifying spectator-, game-, venue-, and state-level factors associated with mask-wearing.