Researchers

Jason Abaluck, Judith Chevalier, Stephen Luby, Mushfiq Mobarak

Abstract

In the US, the CDC has recently recommended cloth face coverings as a supplement to social distancing, especially in areas with significant community-based transmission of COVID-19. Internationally, the World Health Organization and many other countries are yet to recommend universal mask adoption. Evidence on the effectiveness of masks remains scarce but as developing countries consider opening their economies, masks may prove to be crucial policy instruments that reduce the transmission of virus in the absence of social distancing. This project plans to distribute masks to low-income households of randomly selected unions in Bangladesh and assess whether mask use can lower transmission. If proven to be effective, universal mask adoption policies can be scaled up across developing countries to protect workers who cannot afford to stay out of the workforce indefinitely.

Impact Goals