by Sebastian Smith Agence France Presse US President Donald Trump promised Monday to resume televised coronavirus briefings and finally spoke out in favor of mask-wearing — a marked change of tune as polls show him headed for election disaster. With only just over 100 days until the election against Democrat Joe Biden, Trump is scrambling to respond to public anger over his troubled months-long handling of the pandemic. Since the virus first hit the United […]
Tag: masks
Israel says it will make millions of high-spec masks against virus resurgence
JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israel said Sunday it had opened a factory to make millions of high-spec masks as it prepares for a possible “second wave” of coronavirus cases. After imposing tough measures to tackle the COVID-19 illness, Israel has fared relatively well in the initial months of the pandemic. More than 17,700 infections have been registered among a population of nine million, with nearly 300 deaths. But as the country has gradually opened up […]
WHO backs masks where virus widespread, distancing tough
by Robin MILLARD Agence France Presse GENEVA, Switzerland (AFP) — The World Health Organization on Friday backed the use of fabric facemasks in places where the new coronavirus is widespread and physical distancing is difficult, in a change of advice. As the deadly virus continues to spread, the WHO issued updated guidance on who should wear a mask, when it should be worn and what it should be made of. The use of masks […]
NBA star Antetokounmpo donates masks to Greek city
ATHENS, Greece (AFP) — Greek basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers donated 10,000 surgical masks to the Athens suburb of Zografou on Wednesday to help fight the coronavirus outbreak. “The municipality of Zografou wants to express its great gratitude to the Antetokounmpo family for offering 10,000 masks to the residents of the city as a measure of protection against the COVID-19 virus,” a statement from the municipality said. The gesture from the family, “in […]
Amid new research, US recommends face masks to stop virus spread
by Issam AHMED Agence France Presse WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — President Donald Trump on Friday recommended that Americans cover their faces with masks when outdoors, a policy U-turn following growing scientific research suggesting their widespread use can stem the spread of the coronavirus. Trump told a White House briefing that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was urging people to wear face coverings like scarves or homemade cloth masks, but to […]
Gov’t requires all residents in ECQ areas to wear face masks, improvised ones in public spaces
(Eagle News)–All residents in areas declared under an enhanced community quarantine are now required to wear face masks or improvised ones when leaving their homes. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles made the announcement in a virtual press briefing on Thursday, April 2. “For areas placed under ECQ, the IATF hereby adopts the policy of mandatory wearing by all residents of face masks, earloop masks, indigenous, reusable or do-it-yourself masks, face shields, handkerchiefs, or such other protective […]
DIY virus protection: Hong Kongers making own masks amid shortages
by Yan Zhao and Katie Forster HONG KONG, China (AFP) — With chronic face mask shortages in the midst of a virus outbreak, Hong Kongers have started making their own — with a pop-up production line and seamstresses churning them out on sewing machines. In one of the most densely populated cities on earth, face masks have become hot property as people scramble for protection against the new deadly coronavirus. Long queues — sometimes thousands […]
Bare-faced robbery: thieves steal 6,000 hygiene masks in Japan
TOKYO, Japan (AFP) — Thieves in Japan have made off with some 6,000 surgical masks from a hospital, with the country facing a mass shortage and a huge price hike online due to the coronavirus. Four boxes containing the face masks disappeared from a locked storage facility at the Japanese Red Cross hospital in the western port city of Kobe, a hospital official said on Tuesday. “We still have a large number of masks — […]
Delhi suffocates under toxic smog but millions go without masks
by Abhaya SRIVASTAVA Agence France Presse NEW DELHI, India (AFP) — A thick grey smog choked New Delhi for the fifth day Saturday, adding to a mounting pollution health crisis, but retired naval commander Anil Charan is one of the vast majority of the city’s 20 million inhabitants who do not wear a mask. Indian media is packed with warnings about the risk of premature death, lung cancer and particular danger to children from […]
‘Black Panther’ toy sales fierce as film opens big
by John Biers Agence France-Presse NEW YORK, United States (AFP) — Panther claws, masks and action figures are leaping off store shelves after runaway hit “Black Panther” — the first film in the Marvel universe focused on a black superhero — shredded box office expectations with a massive opening weekend. Toys and accessories linked to the movie, which is also making waves for its strong black female leading roles, have the potential to become an […]





