PHOENIX — While contentious debate about mask mandates as a method to curb the spread of Covid-19 continues, the mandates appear to be good for the economy, according to a new Washington University study.
The study, conducted by researchers at Washington U's Olin Business School, shows that consumer spending increased by 5% on average in communities where masks were mandated. The impact was greatest among so-called nonessential businesses, such as retail, restaurants and bars, that were heavily affected by the pandemic, researchers said.
“The findings exceeded our expectations and show that we can have a strong economy with strong, commonsense public-health measures," Raphael Thomadsen, Olin professor of marketing and a co-author of the study, said in a statement. "Mask mandates are a win-win."
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