A recent study from the Chinese University of Hong Kong showed that wearing face masks in public affected the severity of COVID-19 epidemics and potentially contained the outbreaks in 42 countries in 6 continents.

The researchers pointed out the people in Asian countries embraced the use of face masks as a form of hygiene etiquette while in western countries, the use of masks in public is less common. This cultural difference may be a reason why many Americans still refuse to wear face coverings in public.

According to Medical Xpress, there was a clear correlation between the general acceptance of wearing a face mask the infection rates in those countries that adopted the practice wholeheartedly.

“One classic example is seen in Hong Kong,” said Sunny Wong, MD., associate professor of the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics at the university. “Despite Hong Kong’s proximity to mainland China, its infection rate of COVID-19 is generally modest with only 1,110 cases.” Dr. Wong said that 98% of Hong Kong’s residents wore masks.

He warned that  as U.S. cities re-open, the wearing of masks should be encouraged along with hand washing and social distancing. According to CNN, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez announced that masks or face coverings are now required in public due to the rising numbers of COVID-19. He made the announcement during a press conference on Monday.