Some observations. First, most of the states without mask mandates had low population densities. Arguably the most critical factor in transmission was close contact with infected individuals. Lower population densities mean lower transmission rates. Travel restrictions, particularly early also reduced transmission to rural areas. Second,…
First, most of the states without mask mandates had low population densities. Arguably the most critical factor in transmission was close contact with infected individuals. Lower population densities mean lower transmission rates. Travel restrictions, particularly early also reduced transmission to rural areas.
Second, the data, both from left leaning and right leaning states is likely biased. Whether the two offset each other is anyones guess.
Third, in most other parts of the world this issue was far less politicized. Mask mandates were only part of the equation and other approaches (Such as sheltering in place) were taken and likely followed with much more consistency than here in the US. Which in turn makes it somewhat questionable to put as much weight on those studies as being claimed here. First of all because it means that masks were not the only factor being tested and second of all because the testing environment was different from here in the US.
Finally, somebody not showing symptoms could transmit Covid. So arguing that young children seldom got ill is only part of the equation. They could very easily be a transmission vector.
In closing I'll say that this is a complex question and one that neither side seems interested in examining in a critical and objective way. This article sheds a little light, but not nearly as much as I would have liked.
Some observations.
First, most of the states without mask mandates had low population densities. Arguably the most critical factor in transmission was close contact with infected individuals. Lower population densities mean lower transmission rates. Travel restrictions, particularly early also reduced transmission to rural areas.
Second, the data, both from left leaning and right leaning states is likely biased. Whether the two offset each other is anyones guess.
Third, in most other parts of the world this issue was far less politicized. Mask mandates were only part of the equation and other approaches (Such as sheltering in place) were taken and likely followed with much more consistency than here in the US. Which in turn makes it somewhat questionable to put as much weight on those studies as being claimed here. First of all because it means that masks were not the only factor being tested and second of all because the testing environment was different from here in the US.
Finally, somebody not showing symptoms could transmit Covid. So arguing that young children seldom got ill is only part of the equation. They could very easily be a transmission vector.
In closing I'll say that this is a complex question and one that neither side seems interested in examining in a critical and objective way. This article sheds a little light, but not nearly as much as I would have liked.