ERIC Number: EJ1371068
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0744-8481
EISSN: EISSN-1940-3208
Effectiveness of Facemasks for Opening a University Campus in Mississippi, United States -- A Modelling Study
MacIntyre, C. Raina; Costantino, Valentina; Bian, Linkan; Bethel, Cindy
Journal of American College Health, v70 n8 p2505-2510 2022
Background: Universities are at risk for COVID-19 and Fall semester begins in August 2020 for most campuses in the United States. The Southern States, including Mississippi, are experiencing a high incidence of COVID-19. Aims: The objective of this study is to model the impact of face masks and hybrid learning on the COVID-19 epidemic on Mississippi State University (MSU) campus. Methods: We used an age structured deterministic mathematical model of COVID-19 transmission within the MSU campus population, accounting for asymptomatic transmission. We modeled facemasks for the campus population at varying proportions of mask use and effectiveness, and Hyflex model of partial online learning with reduction of people on campus. Results: Facemasks can substantially reduce cases and deaths, even with modest effectiveness. Even 20% uptake of masks will halve the epidemic size. Facemasks combined with Hyflex reduces epidemic size even more. Conclusions: Universal use of face masks and reducing the number of people on campus may allow safer universities reopening.
Descriptors: Campuses, COVID-19, Pandemics, Disease Control, Mathematical Models, Blended Learning, State Universities, Incidence, Hygiene, Risk, School Policy, Prevention, Death, Epidemiology, School Safety
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Mississippi
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A