Based from current news we read, hear and see everyday, it seems that the COVID-19 pandemic will not be over anytime soon. However, the spread of infection may be reduced and or prevented by observing and following mitigation practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and health agencies’ guidelines.
A systematic review of 172 studies in health-care and non health-care settings in 16 countries and a meta-analysis of 44 comparative studies were conducted by Chu et. al. (2020). Results of the systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that physical distancing of 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet); use of face masks (N95, 12-16 layer cotton or gauze masks); and use of eye protection devices (goggles, face shields) are the three simple and common practices that help mitigate the spread of infection based on the best available evidence and global collaborative efforts (Chu et. al., 2020).
Reference:
Chu, D. K., Akl, E. A., Duda, S., Solo, K., Yaacoub, S., Schünemann, H. J., & COVID-19 Systematic Urgent Review Group Effort (SURGE) study authors (2020). Physical distancing, face masks, and eye protection to prevent person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet (London, England), 395(10242), 1973–1987. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31142-9