ALL NEWS

U of U study says mask mandates protect people and help the economy

Nov 23, 2020, 7:19 PM
University of Utah study says mask mandates protect people and help the economy...
FILE - In this April 6, 2020 file photo, a customer wearing a mask carries his purchases as he leaves a Target store during the coronavirus pandemic in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Target has joined a growing list of major retailers that will require customers at all their stores to wear face coverings. The Minneapolis, Minnesota-based discounter said Thursday, July 16, that the policy will go into effect Aug. 1.(AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)
(AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

SALT LAKE CITY – Researchers at the University of Utah say mask mandates help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep businesses open.  

The researchers looked at data from across the country to compare 37 statewide mandates and those in 136 counties in 29 states. 

They concluded that, even controlling for other factors like social distancing, COVID-19 cases go down after mask mandates are put in place. 

Their study also found statewide mandates do better than county-wide ones.

The new infection rate for areas with a statewide mandate is about 10 per 100,000 residents compared with 15 per 100,000 residents for county mandates. 

This is even though, according to the study, “87% of residents covered by a county mandate reported compliance with a mask mandate, a figure substantially higher than the 67% under state mandates.”

The results of the survey were discussed during a news conference at the University of Utah on Monday.

It’s unclear exactly why statewide mandates have been more successful. However, many county-level mandates are in urban areas that have seen more COVID-19 cases on average. 

When asked why Salt Lake County has continued to see high COVID-19 case counts despite having a mask mandate for months, presenters speculated that people coming into the area from places without mandates could have driven the spread. 

But economist Dr. Nathan Seeger said there was another benefit to mask mandates: the economy.

When surveying Utahns, researchers found 51% said they were more likely to go to a store if everyone inside is wearing a mask. 

“I think that just points to the importance of making sure it’s safe so we can go on with the economy,” Seeger said.

Cell phone and credit card data also show people went shopping more after mask mandates were implemented. 

“The data’s very clear. When people feel more confident, they go out and they spend,” Seeger said. “It is important for [any] policies to increase consumer confidence.”

Taylor Randall, Dean of the Eccles School of Business, urged Utahns to mask up.

“To me, the findings are fairly compelling that if…we want to have better health and a better economy during this really critical time, we really should just wear masks,” Randall said.

 

Similar Links:

Ads go “All In” to get Utahns to wear masks, change holiday plans

BYU nanofiber technology making more effective face masks

Utah County, Provo drop mask mandate–but masks still required most places

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

All News

A train hauling ethanol derailed Thursday morning in Raymond, Minnesota, igniting several rail cars...
Tina Burnside and Holly Yan, CNN

Homes evacuated after train carrying ethanol derails, catches fire in Minnesota

Preliminary information suggests 14 of the train's 40 cars were carrying hazardous material according to US officials.
8 hours ago
Emergency responders are seen near a site where two military helicopters crashed Wednesday night du...
The Associated Press

Nine soldiers killed after Army helicopters crash in Kentucky

A statement from Fort Campbell says the HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, part of the 101st Airborne, crashed around 10 p.m. Wednesday in Trigg County, Kentucky.
8 hours ago
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin spoke on Capitol Hill on March 29 in support of the Access to AED...
Carma Hassan, CNN

This life-saving medical device isn’t required at all schools. Damar Hamlin wants to help change that

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin said Wednesday that when he played football as a child, he never thought about CPR or where there might be an automated external defibrillator (AED) nearby.
8 hours ago
Just a few days from the start of the Lori Vallow Daybell trial, a last-minute hearing in Boise, Id...
Lauren Steinbrecher

Idaho judge deciding if JJ Vallow’s grandparents can sit in on Lori Vallow Daybell trial

On Wednesday, Judge Steven Boyce ordered that any witness being called to testify in the Lori Vallow Daybell trial can't sit in on other witness testimony.
8 hours ago
Olesya Krivtsova thinks it's because she was neither the first, nor the last, to criticize the war ...
Saskya Vandoorne and Melissa Bell, CNN

This Russian student fled to Europe to regain her freedom of speech

Olesya Krivtsova thinks it's because she was neither the first, nor the last, to criticize the war in Ukraine that she scared Russian authorities as much as she did.
8 hours ago
Then-President Donald Trump leads a meeting with travel and tourism industry executives to discuss ...
Sara Murray, Zachary Cohen and Tierney Sneed, CNN

Trump appeals court ruling lifting executive privilege shield for former aides

Former President Donald Trump is appealing a court ruling that would force several of his former aides, including Mark Meadows, to answer questions before a grand jury as part of the criminal investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election, two sources familiar with the matter told CNN.
8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...
BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.
Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....
Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a new winter activity? Try skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.
Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...
Intermountain Health

Five common causes of Cervical Cancer – and what you can do to lower your risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.
Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...
Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.
happy friends with sparklers at christmas dinner...
Macey's

15 easy Christmas dinner ideas

We’ve scoured the web for you and narrowed down a few of our favorite Christmas dinner ideas to make your planning easy.
Spicy Homemade Loaded Taters Tots...
Macey's

5 Game Day Snacks for the Whole Family (with recipes!)

Try these game day snacks to make watching football at home with your family feel like a special occasion. 
U of U study says mask mandates protect people and help the economy