Abstract

Current scientific evidence promotes the use of masks as a primary measure, in addition to social distancing and self-quarantine, to prevent the further spread of COVID19 from person to person. Despite the importance of masks, compliance with requests to wear masks varies across cultures around the world and low compliance may increase transmission rates among communities. After reviewing literature on mask-wearing, this article first examines two models of social behavior based on the Prisoner’s Dilemma and the Stag Hunt. Then, combining this work with research from foot-binding and infibulation mitigation, this article demonstrates that social community behavioral coordination along with game theoretic common knowledge are important components to increasing mask usage. Finally, the article provides some suggestions to increase mask usage among communities by re-orienting the social culture and increasing community common knowledge.