Results for week seven of mask-use study at Auburn announced

Auburn University, in collaboration with the Alabama Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is currently studying mask use on and around campus.

During the week of March 15-20, the study found 91% of individuals wore masks and of those 89% wore their mask correctly. The most common mask type observed during the week was cloth (61%), followed by surgical masks (31%).

Following a week of observations showing correct mask usage trending upward, researchers noted a significant decline in the percentage of individuals seen wearing a mask correctly.

The researchers continue to urge individuals to maintain proper mask usage. To wear a mask correctly, it must fit as snugly as possible to the face, covering the chin, mouth and nose up to the nose bridge. The mask should not be below the nose or worn at the tip of their nose. The mask should fit tightly against the face.

Over 60 colleges and universities across the country are participating in the study during the spring semester. Students trained as data collectors are observing people on campus and at off-campus sites frequented by students.

For questions regarding Auburn’s study, please contact Andrea Perkins at avp0010@auburn.edu or Linda Gibson-Young at gibsolm@auburn.edu.