They say a picture says a thousand words and the picture below definitely says a lot.

With the incredible spread of the COVID-19 virus across the globe, many are wondering why Western countries are getting hid so hard with the virus, while Asian countries appear to be sliding under the radar with significantly less coronavirus cases.

The reason appears to be – face masks. Using face masks for protection and staying inside. The combination of those two simple things appear to be saving lives and slowing the spread of the virus drastically across Asian countries.

Seen in the image below, taken from MasksSaveLives.org, you will see how Asian countries that have access to masks and require their citizens to wear them when in public areas, has made a huge impact on the spread of COVID–19.

Speaking with a colleague in Taiwan, we were able to hear first hand about the country’s strict quarantine guidelines and their ability to give masks away to the public and how it has had a major effect on the spread of the virus.

While the US just hit over 190k active COVID-19 cases, Taiwan only has 329 cases in the entire country. Granted the population of Taiwan is significantly smaller than the US, roughly 24M vs. 360M(ish), having only 329 cases out of 24 million people is rather remarkable.

Our colleague spoke of being quarantine in Taiwan for two solid weeks, never being able to go outside. This was monitored by authorities via cellphone service and GPS tracking. Now that the quarantine period is over, residents are able to go outside, walk, run, hike, etc. Taiwan also has a rationing system, where they ensure that everyone gets 4 protective face masks a week.

The following is via MasksSaveLives.org, explaining why face masks are effective in limiting the spread of COVID-19. 

Why masks lower COVID-19 deaths

Masks aid in decreasing COVID-19’s virality by three pathways.

1. Decreasing virus spread by infected individuals. The mask traps virus particles on the inside, preventing the virus particles becoming airborne. Protect others.
2. Decreasing new infections by uninfected individuals. The mask prevents airborne virus particles being inhaled from the outside. Protect yourself.
3. Limiting hand to face contact. The mask puts a physical barrier between potentially contaminated hands and passages to one’s lungs.

We need to increase these virality-decreasing pathways by encouraging a universal mask-wearing protocol to fight COVID-19.

Japan has the strongest mask-wearing culture in the world and one of the lowest COVID-19 infection rates.

Despite Japan’s large elderly population and early infection, the infection and death rate is one of the lowest in the world. A leading reason for this is Japan’s strong mask-wearing culture lowering the virality of COVID-19 to manageable levels. Japan has only had 2,178 infections, yet being one of the earliest countries to become infected

The Czech Republic’s mandatory mask laws

Starting on March 18, the Czech Republic made it mandatory to wear a mask while in public. So far there have only been 3,330 COVID-19 confirmed cases and 32 deaths, making it one of the lowest infected countries in Europe. We should keep a close eye on the Czech Republic’s future infection rate relative to its neighbors to show the quantifiable impact of mask-wearing.

Anything that prevents aerosolized viruses from being transmitted person-to-person will lower COVID-19’s infection rate.

1. Wear a mask when outside of your home to avoid lingering aerosolized virus droplets.
2. N95 masks are better than surgical masks, but anything that prevents breathing in moisture particles with viruses helps.
3. We need hard data that show a direct effect of a strong mask-wearing culture to lower COVID-19 virality. We only have anecdotal research at this point.
4. Going in public without a mask in a pandemic is like riding a motorcycle without a helmet. You don’t look cool. People see you and think you don’t value your life.
5. Promote research that shows the benefits of wearing masks.
6. Start promoting universal masks-wearing at the local level. Encourage your neighbors, apartment building, and city government to wear masks.
7. Make your own mask. Research shows that homemade masks can be very effective in protecting against viruses.

Stay safe. Stay home. Stay protected. Stay healthy.