An observational study on the abidance to mask mandates at tram stops

Abstract

The corona pandemic has led to the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions by governments worldwide. The use of face masks limits the spread of the COVID-19 virus and mask mandates are a prominent tool of public health policy. However, this measure is highly politicized and abidance to mask mandates is crucial for the efficiency of face masks. Here, I present the results of an observational study on the abidance to mask mandates at tram stops in Leipzig, Germany. Based on logistic mixed effects regression models, I show that abidance to mask mandates was generally low, with a mask-wearing rate of 33%. However, mask-wearing was more prominent in situations with an increased risk of infection (high 7 day incidence and numerous people at the tram stops). My results contradict the high abidance to mask mandates of 90% found in surveys and highlights the rationality behind mask-wearing behavior