Methods: This interview-questionnaire study used a test-negative case-control design, enrolling persons who received a positive (case-participants) or negative (control-participants) SARS-CoV-2 test result, from among all California residents, without age restriction, who received a molecular test result for SARS-CoV-2 during February 18–December 1, 2021. A total of 652 case- and 1,176 control-participants were enrolled in the study equally across nine multi-county regions in California.
Limitations included the following:
- This study did not account for other preventive behaviors that could influence risk (eg distancing)
- This analysis relied on an aggregate estimate of self-reported face mask or respirator use across, for some participants, multiple indoor public locations
- Estimates do not account for face mask or respirator fit
- Data collection occurred before the expansion of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant
- Face mask or respirator use was self-reported
- Variability of exposures
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