Only 1/3 follow mask protocol: Corpn-ICMR survey
The survey was conducted at 60 randomly selected streets across the city
CHENNAI: Only one-third of the city residents wear masks correctly while outdoors, revealed a survey conducted by the Greater Chennai Corporation and ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology.
According to the survey, mast compliance is highest in non-slum regions of South Chennai, where 42 per cent of the residents wear masks, whereas the lowest in the city is in the slum areas in North Chennai with only 23 per cent of residents wear them.
However, the survey added, there is not much difference between the two demographics when it comes to wearing masks correctly – only 28 per cent residents in slum areas and 36 per cent elsewhere.
A team comprising officials from the Chennai Corporation and ICMR - National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) conducted the survey at 60 randomly selected streets across the city. Two streets in the slum and non-slum areas were selected. At each survey point, 30 consecutive individuals were observed twice a day in the morning and evening.
In all, 3,600 individuals were observed in 60 streets, of which 1,800 were from slum areas and the remaining half from nonslum areas.
The study locations included streets in residential areas, markets, bus stops, traffic signals and religious places.
The survey revealed that 72 per cent persons in the slums and 64 per cent in the non-slum areas did not wear a mask covering nose and mouth. Among the 1,800 persons observed in slum areas, 497 wore masks covering both nose and mouth. Fifty-six per cent of them (1,022 persons) did not wear mask and 16 per cent individuals wore masks either below the nose or mouth. In non-slum areas, 643 persons wore a mask correctly, covering both nose and mouth. As many as 738 persons did not wear masks at all, and 21 per cent individuals wore masks improperly.
The civic officials have decided to conduct repeat surveys in the city to monitor mask compliance every few weeks.
“Poor mask compliance is a major cause of concern. We may see resurgence of COVID-19 if we fail to wear masks,” said Dr Prabhdeep Kaur, deputy director, ICMR-NIE.