PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Mask-wearing remains a hot-button issue. Many people are still wrestling with the concept.
Of course, viruses and bacteria aren’t influenced by manmade controversy — they do what they want to do. But as a growing number of people get the vaccine, how important is mask-wearing?
According to the University of Washington Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, the COVID-19 death toll in the U.S. is projected to reach about 618,500 by Aug. 1. However, if 95% of the U.S. population wears masks, the projection drops to 604,413 deaths. So, wearing a mask could save the lives of 14,000 people.
In comparison, 20 years ago, 2,977 people died on 9/11. Neither the virus nor mathematical calculations factor in philosophical views.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.