copenlu/druid huggingface dataset:
Claim: “Individuals released from incarceration are 129 times more likely to die of a drug overdose during the first two weeks after release.” (Paul Tonko, 2023-03-20)
Evidence (2023-03-30): Their bill addresses alarming data showing that individuals released from incarceration are 129 times more likely to die of a drug overdose during the first two weeks after release. [...] "Recidivism and rates of overdose are disproportionately high among those who have recently been released from prison. The Reentry Act permits eligible incarcerated persons to begin receiving Medicaid benefits 30 days prior to their release from prison so that they can begin treatment for substance abuse during an especially vulnerable period. I am proud to introduce this important bipartisan legislation that will save lives by helping communities in Ohio and across the country combat the opioid epidemic," said Rep. Mike Turner. [...] - Restarts benefits for Medicaid-eligible incarcerated individuals 30 days pre-release - Makes it easier for states to provide effective addiction treatment and services, allowing for smoother transitions to community care and a reduced risk of overdose deaths post-release - Does not change WHO is eligible for Medicaid or CHIP coverage, just ensures a warm handoff back for those already eligible.
Claim: “Individuals released from incarceration are 129 times more likely to die of a drug overdose during the first two weeks after release.” (Paul Tonko, 2023-03-20)
Evidence (2023-03-30): WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05), along with Representatives Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Mike Turner (OH-10), and David Trone (MD-06), introduced the Reentry Act, bipartisan legislation that empowers states to restore access to healthcare, including addiction and mental health treatment through Medicaid, for incarcerated individuals up to 30 days before their release. This bill addresses alarming data which shows individuals released from incarceration are 129 times more likely to die of a drug overdose during the first two weeks after release. [...] "Recidivism and rates of overdose are disproportionately high among those who have recently been released from prison. The Reentry Act permits eligible incarcerated persons to begin receiving Medicaid benefits 30 days prior to their release from prison so that they can begin treatment for substance abuse during an especially vulnerable period. I am proud to introduce this important legislation that will save lives by helping communities in Ohio and across the country combat the opioid epidemic," said Congressman Turner. [...] - Makes it easier for states to provide effective addiction treatment and services, allowing for smoother transitions to community care and a reduced risk of overdose deaths post-release.
Claim: “Individuals released from incarceration are 129 times more likely to die of a drug overdose during the first two weeks after release.” (Paul Tonko, 2023-03-20)
Evidence (2019-10-02): A total 14 086 deaths occurred after release: 1321 (9.4%) opioid overdose deaths, 1461 (10.4%) homicide deaths, and 635 (4.5%) suicide deaths (32 opioid overdose deaths were also suicides). In addition, there were 178 032 reincarcerations from 2000 to 2016. Compared with individuals who were incarcerated and not placed in restrictive housing, those who spent time in restrictive housing were more likely to die in the first year after release of all causes (aHR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.12-1.38), especially from suicide (aHR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.19-2.67) and homicide (aHR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.24-1.91) (Table 2). They were also more likely to die of an opioid overdose in the first 2 weeks after release (aHR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.16-4.43) and to become reincarcerated (aHR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.99-2.34) (Figure).
Claim: “We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t." (Gordon Hintz, 2021-02-06)
Evidence (2021-02-06): Multiple studies have suggested mask mandates can lead to a decline in COVID-19 cases. Researchers caution that factors like compliance and enforcement should be taken into consideration, but masks have ultimately proven to be an effective tool in combating the virus
Claim: “We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t." (Gordon Hintz, 2021-02-06)
Evidence (2022-04-07): Other indirect evidence comes from studies that have documented associations between self-reported mask wearing and control of the virus in a community, or the implementation of a mask mandate and a subsequent decline in COVID-19 cases or rates of hospitalization. [...] In Kansas, which instituted a mask mandate in July but allowed counties to opt out, the number of new COVID-19 cases per capita fell by 6% in areas with mask mandates, but rose by 100% in those without. Another study in the U.S. did not identify an impact of a mask mandate, but found that a 10% increase in self-reported mask usage was associated with a state being 3.5 times more likely to have control of its epidemic.
Claim: “We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t." (Gordon Hintz, 2021-02-06)
Evidence (2024-06-07): Last year I wrote that a day may come, when we have evidence about masks that’s so strong, so convincing, only the most extremely biased will still be arguing about it. It is, still, not this day. But digging into a major, wide-ranging new review by Trish Greenhalgh and colleagues clarified several issues for me, and left me optimistic that we will get there. There already is a stronger scientific consensus about the effectiveness of masks than you might think. It’s hard to see, though, because the amount of literature is overwhelming, and the field is clouded by smoke created by a few bombs. [...] Then a couple of trials landed that fuelled enormous debate – the first of them blew past all other scientific articles to take the top spot in Altmetric’s list of the most discussed in 2021. In addition, there were controversial updates of the Cochrane systematic review by Tom Jefferson and colleagues. Based solely on the results of randomized trials, that review has been widely misrepresented as proving that masks don’t work – including by its lead author. It was weaponized by critics of masks and pandemic interventions generally, while taking a beating from people defending mask effectiveness – in The New York Times and Scientific American, for example.
Claim: “We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t." (Gordon Hintz, 2021-02-06)
Evidence (2020-08-28): There is now strong evidence that wearing masks reduces COVID-19 transmission. While many factors can affect the spread of the virus, preliminary findings show that states and counties with mask mandates are seeing lower transmission than those that have only recommended mask wearing. However, these mandates have incited controversy, and government officials have struggled to determine whether and how to enforce them. [...] "Compliance ambassadors" and education campaigns - States and localities that have resisted mask mandates often state that they prefer "education." However, if education is to be effective, it will require actual investment and action. Charlotte’s enforcement plan uses both enforcement actions and education for businesses, with the latter conducted mostly through environmental health inspectors and part-time ambassadors. Las Vegas has also mobilized 100 "compliance ambassadors." In both cities ambassadors can report violations in businesses, but they do not undertake any enforcement actions themselves. In terms of individual mandates, in DeKalb County, Ga., first-time offenders receive a warning, while second-time offenders can attend a COVID-19 education class instead of receiving a fine. Many states and localities have also implemented public awareness campaigns surrounding masking. While health departments may have limited funds and capacity for evaluation of these campaigns, we encourage data-driven approaches wherever possible. Localities that are able to partner with researchers or private firms can share their results broadly to help inform campaigns throughout the country.
Claim: “We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t." (Gordon Hintz, 2021-02-06)
Evidence (2022-02-18): While many states have already lifted their statewide mask mandates, many mandates remain in place. But the science is mixed about masks effectiveness in schools — especially for kids. [...] GODOY: He says to get really strong evidence that masking mandates slow transmission in schools, you'd need to have a large number of schools, you'd have to control for those other factors I mentioned, plus lots of other things. He says the bottom line is that the totality of evidence suggests high-quality masks do help slow transmission in schools, but we may never be able to pin down exactly how much they help. [...] MONICA GANDHI: We need to think about releasing mask mandates on what matters the most, which is our hospitals having good capacity and a vaccination rate in the community.
Claim: “We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t." (Gordon Hintz, 2021-02-06)
Evidence (2020-06-21): People opposed to mask mandates have staged protests, and one local health official in Orange County, Calif., quit her job after receiving a death threat for a mask order. Not long after, California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered Californians to wear face coverings in public. Meanwhile in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott recently allowed some counties to impose mask mandates on businesses, despite an earlier order forbidding penalties on individuals for not wearing masks. [...] Other recent studies offer indirect evidence for universal mask use, even if worn by people who are feeling healthy. One study, published in late May in BMJ Global Health, looked at people in households in Beijing where one person was confirmed to have COVID-19. At the time, explains study co-author Raina MacIntyre, research was already showing that the majority of transmission of the virus was happening inside households, and China already had a culture of mask wearing. The study found that in households where everyone was wearing a face mask indoors as a precaution before they knew anyone who lived there was sick, the risk of transmission was cut by 79%.
Claim: “We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t." (Gordon Hintz, 2021-02-06)
Evidence (2021-12-16): Do mask mandates work? There is evidence that mask mandates can help curb transmission. Recently, Rebecca Nugent, a data scientist at Carnegie Mellon who has been tracking the impact of COVID-19 mitigation policies, looked at how the delta variant spread through the summer and fall. [...] "While having a mask mandate doesn't necessarily cease the spread, you can see a difference between ones that have kept a statewide mask mandate on and ones that haven't," she explains. She and her collaborators are still in the process of analyzing how big of a difference mask mandates make on case numbers.
Claim: “We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t." (Gordon Hintz, 2021-02-06)
Evidence (2023-04-06): That’s different from saying that masks don’t work for community spread or for an individual. And it’s also different, she said, from saying that mask mandates don’t work, since in trials mask-wearing is voluntary, rather than being required for everyone in the community. [...] But as we’ve explained before, this mechanistic evidence doesn’t necessarily mean that when public health officials recommend masks that this intervention will work to limit spread in the community. [...] Tufekci, Zeynep. "Here’s Why the Science Is Clear That Masks Work." New York Times. 10 Mar 2023.
Claim: “We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t." (Gordon Hintz, 2021-02-06)
Evidence (2021-04-11): In February, we rated True a claim by Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, that "we know mask mandates work. [...] Milwaukee Journal Sentinel "Wisconsin Supreme Court overturns statewide mask mandate blocks Evers from declaring multiple emergency orders," March 31, 2021 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel "These Wisconsin cities and counties have their own mask mandates," April 5, 2021
Claim: “We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t." (Gordon Hintz, 2021-02-06)
Evidence (2022-02-16): How Effective are Mask Mandates at Stopping the Spread of COVID-19? [...] Moreover, a mask mandate may have different effects depending on the characteristics of the community in which it is enacted (e.g., population density, acceptance of mask wearing). Therefore, for every county we included in our study, we used a matching strategy to find a control county that had similar population density, acceptance towards mask wearing, and number of cases, but no mask mandate. We ended up with two groups of counties that were comparable in demographics and pandemic severity, but one group had mask mandates during our study period while the other did not. We then followed the two groups for a few weeks to evaluate the effect of the mandate by comparing the difference between paired counties. [...] What we found from this study was that counties that introduced a mask mandate early on in the pandemic experienced lower county-level COVID-19 case incidence in the six weeks following enactment as compared to similar counties without a mandate. How much the mask mandate benefited communities varied across counties and over time, with the strongest effects seen in more crowded communities or those with a reticence toward voluntary masking. We also observed that case incidence declined the most between the third and fourth weeks after the mandate started and the effect of the mandate waned between weeks six and eight in some counties.
Claim: “We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t." (Gordon Hintz, 2021-02-06)
Evidence (2021-05-25): What the science says about lifting mask mandates With COVID rates dropping and vaccinations on the rise, the United States and other places are removing some requirements for face coverings. Are they moving too fast?
Claim: “We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t." (Gordon Hintz, 2021-02-06)
Evidence (2020-10-06): The science supports that face coverings are saving lives during the coronavirus pandemic, and yet the debate trundles on. How much evidence is enough?
Claim: “We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t." (Gordon Hintz, 2021-02-06)
Evidence (2023-03-02): Adams’ advice was in line with messages from other US officials and the World Health Organization. Days later, though, US public health leaders shifted course. Mask-wearing was soon a pandemic-control strategy worldwide, but whether this strategy succeeded is now a matter of heated debate—particularly after a major new analysis, released in January, seemed to conclude that masks remain an unproven strategy for curbing transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. "There’s still no evidence that masks are effective during a pandemic," the study’s lead author, physician, and epidemiologist Tom Jefferson, recently told an interviewer. [...] For some, the Cochrane review provided vindication. "Mask mandates were a bust," conservative columnist Bret Stephens wrote in The New York Times last week. "Those skeptics who were furiously mocked as cranks and occasionally censored as ‘misinformers’ for opposing mandates were right."
Claim: “We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t." (Gordon Hintz, 2021-02-06)
Evidence (2020-07-31): Tensions boiled over July 30, 2020 after Democratic Gov. Tony Evers issued a statewide face mask mandate, despite opposition from Republicans who contend the move amounts to government overreach. [...] But they didn’t act alone, and safety precautions like mask mandates were ordered by their governors. [...] Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Here are the cities and counties in Wisconsin that have issued policies requiring people to wear a mask in public spaces, July 15, 2020.
Claim: “We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t." (Gordon Hintz, 2021-02-06)
Evidence (2021-05-12): A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that state-issued mask mandates were associated with significant decreases in daily COVID-19 case and death growth rates. Yet some conservative outlets and social media users falsely claim the study shows mask mandates have a negligible impact on COVID-19 outcomes. [...] "The data we now have conclusively show that widespread use of masks is a very effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19," said CDC’s Jasmine Reed in an email. "The CDC study referenced noted that mask mandates were associated with statistically significant decreases in county-level daily COVID-19 case and death growth rates." [...] The new study cites and builds upon previous studies that have confirmed the effectiveness of mask mandates and restaurant closures in reducing COVID-19 outcomes. In this case, CDC scientists examined the association of state-issued mask mandates and on-premises restaurant dining with COVID-19 cases and deaths from March 1 to Dec. 31, 2020. To do so, it looked at data from 2,313 U.S. counties (73.6% of a total 3,142) where mask mandates were implemented and from the 3,076 (97.9%) U.S. counties that allowed restaurants to reopen, and compared that data with county-level changes in COVID-19 case and death growth rates.
Claim: “We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t." (Gordon Hintz, 2021-02-06)
Evidence (2021-02-05): "At the end of the day we know mask mandates work," the Oshkosh Democrat said in a Feb. 5, 2021 interview on the Wisconsin Public Television program Here & Now. [...] The study noted that 13 counties with mask mandates and seven counties without mandates also had other mitigation strategies in place, such as limiting the size of gatherings and how many could eat in restaurants. Still, researchers concluded that "strategies related to mask use mandates appear to be important." [...] In a TV interview, Hintz said, "At the end of the day we know mask mandates work.
Claim: “We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t." (Gordon Hintz, 2021-02-06)
Evidence (2024-01-23): We will describe two of them in more detail here, both related to preventing transmission of infection through air. [...] We thank HICPAC for taking on the challenging task of updating our nation’s infection control isolation guidelines. The COVID-19 pandemic will not be the last one we face. We must be better prepared for the next pandemic and use what we have learned to improve approaches to preventing transmission of any pathogen spread through air in healthcare settings. The multi-year effort to update the isolation precautions guideline is a critical part of achieving that goal.
Claim: “We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t." (Gordon Hintz, 2021-02-06)
Evidence (2021-12-10): The Governor spoke about why he favors vaccination over mask mandates, despite many metro counties having implemented their own mandates to help control the spread of the virus. "Public health [officials] don’t get to tell people what to wear; that's just not their job," the Governor said. [...] Ryan Warner: We often ask listeners to submit questions and for the last few months, the majority have asked why you won't impose a statewide mask mandate. We've recently seen a surge in cases and a shortage of hospital beds. Is there anything that would prompt you to return to a statewide order? [...] [Editor's note: in a statement released by the Governor's office after this interview aired, the Governor said that "he was referring to the state role" in implementing mask mandates in Colorado. "Of course," the statement continued, "he believes that local leaders can and should put disease reduction protocols in place based off their disease levels and community support for those policies."]
Claim: “We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t." (Gordon Hintz, 2021-02-06)
Evidence (2021-08-09): Miller: The Governor’s office has left mask mandates up to County Health districts right now and has been pretty clear that it needs to be an issue of local control clearly saying that this is, in some ways, a political necessity. The thinking is that if the mandate comes locally, it’s more likely that residents will follow those mandates. What makes school districts different because there is a statewide mandate? [...] Miller: How will enforcement of this mask mandate work? And what are the consequences if a school doesn’t comply with it or doesn’t enforce the mask mandate? Gill: Of course, first we’re focusing on communicating and informing and trying to have everyone understand where Oregon is at and what we’re trying to prevent from happening. So Oregon is among many states who have a statewide school mask mandate. Some of the latest ones include Louisiana who, unfortunately, waited until their pediatric wards were filling and overflowing. And that’s what we’re trying to prevent. So it’s really important that we get the word out about why it’s so critical that we use this as one of our primary mitigation efforts. But we do have enforcement.
Claim: “We know mask mandates work. There’s enough evidence out there between counties that have done it and counties that haven’t." (Gordon Hintz, 2021-02-06)
Evidence (2020-11-25): So Governor Kim Reynolds there, also a Republican, was initially against the mask mandate, and she even said that cities couldn't issue their own mandates back in the summer. But she recently reversed course. Iowa has seen one of the biggest surges in cases and hospitalizations in the country per capita. Iowa has roughly half the population of Missouri, but it's almost in the same ballpark in terms of new cases. So earlier this month, Reynolds did end up issuing a statewide mask mandate, as well as some restrictions on public and private gatherings, with exceptions for some businesses and religious services. [...] INSKEEP: Well, I guess we can be consistent here and note that there's more and more evidence that masks work, that mask mandates work. There were questions about this six months ago - hardly any questions now. And if I'm not mistaken, Sebastian, there was even a study in a very red state, Kansas, that proved this. VALDIVIA: Yeah. So Kansas actually has a mask mandate that counties can opt into and opt out of, and so the CDC looked at how cases have played out in the counties that opted out and opted in. And they found that in the two months after the mandate, new cases on average actually slightly decreased in counties with the mandate, but they doubled in those nonmandated counties. Now, there's some caveats there. Some of the mandated counties had other additional public health orders, so you can't chalk it all up to mask mandates. But the difference is pretty stark.