LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas — The University of Arkansas for Medical Services released its bi-weekly projection for coronavirus cases in the state Tuesday.
In the new projection, health experts at UAMS conclude with a long-term model that if 50% or more of the state's population wears masks, it would flatten the curve of new cases reported.
The model shows three outcomes: new infections with summer holiday mixing; new infections with no summer holiday mixing; and new infections if more than 50% wear masks.
"The projected peak in new infections, if masks had been worn by a large number of Arkansas, would have been in late June," the report stated. "This simulation shows the effectiveness of wearing face coverings."
Using the same simulation model, UAMS also projects that Arkansas would see less deaths per day "with the implementation of mandatory mask wearing."
That projection shows the state would only see 2 daily deaths if 50% or more wore masks, but up to 21 projected daily deaths with mixing during holidays and no mask wearing.
The research also projects that the state could the total number of known coronavirus cases in Arkansas reach 40,000 by the beginning of August.
UAMS health experts also continue to stress the disproportionate impact coronavirus has had on Black and Latinx communities in Arkansas. The impact is most apparent for "hospitalizations, intensive care cases and cases requiring ventilation."
You can read the full projection by clicking here.