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The effect of a strict facial-mask policy on the spread of COVID-19 in Switzerland during the early phase of the pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Emanuel Nussli

    (ETH Zurich)

  • Simon Hediger

    (University of Zurich)

  • Meta-Lina Spohn

    (ETH Zurich)

  • Marloes H. Maathuis

    (ETH Zurich)

Abstract

During several weeks in the second half of the year 2020, the cantons of Switzerland could choose to adopt the government-determined facial-mask policy, corresponding to mandatory facial-mask wearing on public transport, or a strict facial-mask policy, corresponding to mandatory facial-mask wearing on public transport and in all public or shared spaces where social distancing was not possible. We estimate the effect of introducing the strict facial-mask policy on the spread of COVID-19 in Switzerland during this first phase of the pandemic in 2020, using the cantonal heterogeneity in facial-mask policies. We adjust for social distancing behavior, weather, other non-pharmaceutical policies and further variables. We estimate a significant reduction in the expected spread of COVID-19 in the early pandemic if the strict facial-mask policy is adopted.

Suggested Citation

  • Emanuel Nussli & Simon Hediger & Meta-Lina Spohn & Marloes H. Maathuis, 2024. "The effect of a strict facial-mask policy on the spread of COVID-19 in Switzerland during the early phase of the pandemic," Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics, Springer;Swiss Society of Economics and Statistics, vol. 160(1), pages 1-20, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sjecst:v:160:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1186_s41937-024-00119-0
    DOI: 10.1186/s41937-024-00119-0
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