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This observational study from Hong Kong found that transmission of SARS-CoV-2 decreased by about 44% in January, 2020. This reduction was associated with implementation of social distancing measures and mask use. Comment: Association does not equal causation. No control group present in this study. It is certainly suggestive and makes sense, but from an objective standpoint, the lack of a control group makes this extremely difficult to say that this association of social distancing and mask use was solely responsible for the decline. Even though the hypothesis is great, and logically it makes sense, rigorous science demands that we never equate association with causation. Lancet Public Health . 2020 May;5(5):e279-e288.    (retrieved May, 2020). There are currently 1090 pearls in the database. While every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, mistakes can and do occur. Use databank at your own risk. All pearls © 2024 by the Internet Medical Association. Click Here to view more medical pearls.