Does mask usage correlate with excess mortality? Findings from 24 European countries

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Nonpharmaceutical interventions, including mask mandates, were widely implemented during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
• Variations in mask policies across European countries during 2020-2021 created a natural experiment setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between population-level mask usage and excess mortality across Europe.
• To analyze the association between mask usage rates and COVID-19 related mortality and morbidity.

Main Methods:

• Data on mask usage and excess mortality were collected from 24 European countries (2020-2021).
• Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were employed to assess associations.
• Confounding factors and sensitivity tests were incorporated to ensure robustness.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant positive correlation was found between mask usage rates and age-adjusted excess mortality (bivariate and multivariate).
• Vaccination rates demonstrated a significant negative correlation with age-adjusted excess mortality.
• No correlation was observed between mask usage rates and COVID-19 morbidity.

Conclusions:

• Significant associations exist between population mask usage rates, COVID-19 mortality, and excess deaths.
• Potential confounders, including socioeconomic factors and COVID-19 wave severity, were considered.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the complex relationship between mask mandates and mortality outcomes.