On Nov. 24, 2020, published data from researchers at Mayo Clinic found that physical separation reduced the exposure of respiratory droplets and that three feet is helpful but 6 feet separation reduces particle counts to near baseline levels.

Researchers measured how effectively masks blocked the number of aerosol particles from a masked source, simulating an individual with a COVID-19 infection, and they simulated the risk of an individual contracting COVID-19, when they were masked.

The findings strongly supported the protective value and effectiveness of widespread mask use and maintaining physical distance in helping to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The study results were published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.