ICPS

2021 APS Virtual Convention · 2021

Does Wearing a COVID-Prevention Facemask Decrease Social Distancing? Risk Compensation Vs. Response Generalization

Virtual · May 2021

Posters · Other

  • Myriam Oliver
    Virginia Tech
  • Samuel Browning
    Virginia Tech
  • Mackenzie Davis
    Virginia Tech
  • E. Geller
    Virginia Tech

Abstract

Public behavior was systematically observed to determine if individuals wearing a COVID-prevention facemask maintain a closer social distance than those not wearing a facemask. Over 2000 observations evidenced significantly closer social distances for those not wearing a facemask, thereby supporting response generalization over risk compensation theory.

Epidemics and Public Health