At work every day, Agnes Boisvert attends to ICU patients "gasping for air" and dying from COVID-19. But communicating that harsh reality to her skeptical community has been a challenge.
New research found that wearing a cloth mask over a medical mask significantly boosts protection against droplets that can transmit the virus. Knotting the ear loops of surgical masks also helps.
From double-masking to getting a tighter seal, these suggestions and simple at-home hacks can make your mask a better barrier against the coronavirus — and help fend off more infectious strains.
Early in the pandemic, shortages of N95 respirators and other medical gear prompted panic across the world. A year later, the masks still aren't widely available to U.S. consumers.
There are N95s, reserved for health workers. There are KN95s, which you can buy easily — except that quality may vary. And now South Korea's KF94 masks are getting a lot of buzz.
Ski areas are seeing record sales of season passes as people look for outdoor exercise this winter. Most are requiring masks, limiting lodge use, and making people put their boots on at their cars.
It takes time after vaccination for immunity to the virus to build up, and no vaccine is 100% effective. Plus, scientists don't yet know if the vaccine stops viral spread. Here's what's known so far.
Pleats, filters, fabric. With so many available features and types, we break down which common face coverings are more effective and the right way to wear and handle them.
In Florida, the governor and leaders of cities and counties are squaring off over a coronavirus mask order. Or, the lack thereof. The governor says masks can be required but people can't be fined.
President Trump, who spent the weekend in the hospital for COVID-19, made a theatrical return to the White House on Monday evening, where he removed his mask and gave his signature two thumbs up.
With the hashtag #ikdoenietmeermee ("I no longer participate"), several musicians and influencers said on social media they were opting out of campaigns to promote social distancing and face masks.
The coaches include Pete Carroll, Kyle Shanahan and Vic Fangio. League rules state that anyone in the bench area "shall be required to wear masks at all times."
There's just not enough PPE to satisfy demand. Medics are re-using masks and small practices can't even find supplies they can afford. Some domestic manufacturers could help, but it's a risky move.
"We are in a period of epidemic growth," Prime Minister Jean Castex said. "We want to do everything to avoid a new lockdown." The order goes into effect Friday.
