A New Data-Driven Model Shows That Wearing Masks Saves Lives—And The Earlier You Start, The Better
Author: Biplav Srivastava.
Source: Volume 22, Number 01, Winter 2020 , pp.7-7(1)
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Abstract:
Dr. Biplav Srivastava, professor of computer science at the University of South Carolina, and his team have developed a data-driven tool that helps demonstrate the effect of wearing masks on COVID-19 cases and deaths. His model utilizes a variety of data sources to create alternate scenarios that can tell us “What could have happened?” if a county in the U.S. had a higher or lower rate of mask adherence. In this interview, he explains how the model works, its limitations and what conclusions we can draw from it.Keywords: Mask-Wearing Policies; Robust Synthetic Control
Affiliations:
1: University of South Carolina.