July 29, 2020

Comparison of Face-Touching Behaviors Before and During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions

• Face mask-wearing and face-touching behaviors in the general population were analyzed using videos recorded in public areas in several countries before the COVID-19 pandemic (January 2018 to October 2019, n=4,699 individuals) and during the pandemic (February 2020 to March 2020, n=2,887 individuals). A significant increase in mask wearing was observed at locations in mainland China (from 1% to 99%), Japan (from 1% to 99%), South Korea (from 1% to 86%), and Western Europe (from 0.2% to 2%). Videos from the US showed a non-significant increase from 0.4% (1/269) to 2% (4/194) (p=0.17). Regression modeling showed that mask wearing was associated with a reduction in face touching, which may prevent contact transmission of COVID-19 among the general population in public areas. 

Chen et al. (July 29, 2020). Comparison of Face-Touching Behaviors Before and During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic. JAMA Network Open. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.16924