COVID-19: state population coverage by mask orders in the US

Background: A variety of government bodies in the US - cities and tribal councils, counties, and states - have issued mask-wearing orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Methods: : We measured the duration of these orders and the populations covered by them in each of the governed areas. We measured the in effect days from April 3, 2020 (the date of the first mask order) to November 30, 2020; the duration of the measured period amounts to 241 days. We used data generated from local and state governments, and news organizations to measure the enactment dates and the duration of the orders; and from the US Census Bureau (dated 2019) to measure municipal, county, and state populations. Results: : The average coverage over all states was 57.7% of the maximum person days of coverage. States which issued statewide orders from their governors had a total of 67.1% coverage; this includes coverage from regional government orders prior to the statewide orders. States with orders only from municipal or county councils had on average 27.1% coverage. Conclusion: Overall, state governments took leadership in the implementation of mask orders.