Research Paper about Effectiveness of Mask Wearing

Since March of 2020, when things first began to shut down in the Universities and all over the United States, society has been facing a worldwide pandemic, and opinions about effective methods of prevention differ, namely whether masks effectively prevent the spread of COVID-19. On one side of the issue, people believe that masks should be mandated in universities because of their effectiveness in relation to the reduction of cases in such close quarters, while the other side of the debate argues that forcing people to wear masks infracts on their rights and is overall ineffective and unconstitutional. As indicated by studies that prove masks reduce particle exposure in group settings, the increased risk of exposure that in-person interactions on campus pose, and the specific numbers of Bemidji State COVID-19 cases versus that of universities that do not have a mask mandate in place, it can be inferred that instituting a mask mandate across campus is an effective measure to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in universities.

Face coverings, whether medical grade or cloth, help to prevent the spread of particles between people that are in close contact. Students and faculty are in close contact in multiple different ways in universities. Whether it is in the classrooms, dorm halls, or dining halls, people are constantly having close interactions. These close interactions create a higher risk of infection, especially if there are no preventative measures in place. This is where masks come in. A group of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scientists created an experiment using salt particles, which are similar in size to the smaller particles involved in COVID-19. They tested several different styles of masks, including N-95, surgical masks, cotton, nylon, and multiple other common materials. This study proved that most recommended masks for the public had a filtration efficiency of between 44.7% to 79%, with the exception of bandanas, gaiters, and single layer masks (EPA Researchers). As opposed to the lack of a mask, which has a filtration efficiency of 0%, wearing a mask decreases the odds of spreading bacteria. Because of this decrease in the spread of particles, closer contact becomes possible. Another study compared states’ infection rates before and after mask mandates were put in place. The study showed that if mask mandates were put in place, 230,000 to 450,000 cases could have been prevented (Schive). This can be directly applied to university situations. Wearing masks in classrooms and all indoor public spaces prevents particles from transferring between students and allows classroom experiences in-person to continue. If students and faculty did not wear masks, schools would likely be forced to shut down due to a surplus in cases. Considering the fact that distance learning, specifically for college students, is harmful to learning, it is critical that universities are able to stay open.  

The science behind how COVID-19 spreads is important to understand when discussing preventative measures. Through studies about how viruses spread in general as well as studies specific to COVID-19, it has been found that the virus becomes contagious through the transfer of respiratory droplets. This transfer can occur through talking, singing, or even breathing as well as involuntary actions such as coughing or sneezing (The Science of Masking). When students and faculty are placed in classrooms where discussions and lectures are commonplace, these things are unavoidable. It is because of this that masks are effective at interrupting the transfer between people in classrooms. When the droplets are stopped by a properly worn mask, there is a reduced chance of the classroom being infected. According to the CDC, infection is most likely when someone is within 6 feet of an infected person for longer than 15 minutes (Scientific Brief). In university classrooms, it is nearly impossible to sit people six feet apart. Specifically, in Bemidji State University, student seating is relatively close together. This means that it is far easier for particles to make it from student to student if masks are not worn as protection. Despite these facts, there are still some who think that there is another way to prevent the spread without a mask mandate in universities. Some believe that if people who experience symptoms quarantine early on, others are not at risk of exposure. However, a study done in New York shows that asymptomatic people make up over 50% of all cases and that they are one of the biggest contributors to the spread of COVID-19 (Anderson). This makes it impossible to make sure that all students that have been infected are quarantined in time. This places students that are actively infected inside of the classrooms and puts the students and faculty at risk. Following the statistics of the efficacy of masks, it can be concluded that masks would reduce this risk and prevent mass contagion. 

The cases within Bemidji State University even further support the evidence that suggests masks are effective. Bemidji State University has required masks since the school first opened for the 2021-2022 school year, specifically in classrooms. It is in these classrooms that the closest contact for the longest amount of time occurs. As previously concluded, these are the exact conditions in which COVID-19 is able to effectively spread. As compared to colleges of similar populations that do not have a mask mandate in place, BSU has far fewer cases. A college in Texas, Midwestern State University, “strongly recommends” masks, but does not require them for students or faculty. Since August 1, MSU Texas has had 141 confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Reported Cases). Comparably, Bemidji State University has only had 19 cases in the same time frame (Minnesota State System). Even further, Bethel University, with a lower population than Bemidji State University, has more than double the positive COVID-19 cases, with 47 positive cases since the beginning of the academic year (Covid-19 Dashboard).  It is clear that BSU has been more successful at containing COVID-19 than the other two universities. This prompts a closer look at the reasoning behind said differences. The biggest difference between these universities is the presence of mask mandates or the lack of. The university with lower cases, BSU, has a mask mandate in place, while Bethel and MSU do not. This is reflected in their increasing cases. These are essentially live case studies and continue to prove the point that masks are effective in university settings. 

The issue of mask mandates in universities has been a controversial topic with varying opinions. Some believe they are beneficial while others think they are an invasion of their independence and should be optional. However, the science of transmission has proved that masks are effective against the spread of particles and that close quarters such as classrooms are prime areas of contagion. Additionally, the numbers of COVID-19 cases in universities with and without mask mandates align with the idea that requiring masks reduces case counts. Because of this, the solution is clear. The proven effectiveness of masks makes them worthwhile, and they should be mandated in universities classrooms regardless of the arguments that say otherwise.