(Plymouth Meeting, PA, Wednesday, October 20, 2021) – A new report from ECRI shows there is sufficient favorable evidence that cloth masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in school settings when combined with other public health measures like social distancing and proper hand hygiene.

Despite claims to the contrary by mask opponents, 18 papers and studies, including from CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the World Health Organization (WHO), provide consistent evidence that as part of an infection prevention bundle, face masks reduce viral transmission in school settings.

Cloth face coverings or masks are reusable, washable, and made of different fabric types that are not standardized or intended for medical purposes. In its guidance for preventing COVID-19 in schools, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends universal indoor masking for all students (≥2 years old), regardless of vaccination status. CDC also recommends face coverings should be well-fitting and cover the nose, mouth, and chin.

The shocking scenes and acts of violence at school board meetings about mask wearing guidance around the country are extremely troubling. ECRI hopes that this assessment is helpful to educators, journalists, and healthcare workers as they pursue objective, evidence-based information.

Dr. Marcus Schabacker is president and CEO at ECRI, the nation’s largest patient safety organization. ECRI works to improve the safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness of care across all healthcare settings. Learn more about ECRI at www.ecri.org.

ECRI is the only organization worldwide to conduct independent medical device evaluations, with labs located in North America and Asia Pacific. ECRI is designated an Evidence-based Practice Center by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and a federally certified Patient Safety Organization by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.