The use of respirators and its impact on the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe between 1 June and 14 October 2020.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cases of COVID-19 infection have increased sharply in Europe since August 2020, and the WHO recommend the use of respirators in situations where keeping distance is not possible. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the use of respirators on infection cases and viral deaths in European countries. METHODS: COVID-19 cases and related deaths in 29 countries relative to population were searched through the WHO database on 15.10.2020. Recent 14-day cases in relation to the population were retrieved from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control's website, covering the period from 1 to 14 October 2020. Information related to the use of respirators was retrieved from the IHME database of the University of Washington at time point, 1.6.2020. RESULTS: The proportion of people using of respirators at 1.6.2020 correlate negatively to the reported cases of disease (Rs = -0.528) and to deaths (Rs = -0.553). No significant correlation was found for recent cases or mortality. Countries with at least 60% respirator use did not differ from other countries. CONCLUSION: Long-term use of respirators appears to reduce disease incidence and death in the population.