Review Question - QID 216230

Researchers are investigating the efficacy of mask-wearing on community transmission of the common cold, which is a self-limited condition. A governmental mask-wearing mandate was recently instituted based on studies showing that mask-wearing reduces transmission of various respiratory viruses from symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals to non-infected people, as measured by nasal swabs. The researchers have obtained prevalence and incidence data for the 3 months prior to the implementation of the mask-wearing mandate. The present study involves the measurement of prevalence and incidence of common cold infection over the 3 months following the implementation of the mandate. Based on the evidence provided, what would be the expected change in prevalence and incidence (see Figure A)?