Final answer:
The higher rate of mask-wearing correlates with fewer reported COVID-19 symptoms because masks help reduce the transmission of the virus.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the observation that higher rates of mask-wearing predicted fewer reported COVID-19 symptoms suggests that wearing masks reduces the transmission of the virus. Masks work as a barrier to prevent respiratory droplets from an infected person from reaching others, thereby lowering the probability of transmission. The effectiveness of masks in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 has been a critical aspect of public health guidelines.