All articles tagged with #masks
White House border czar Tom Homan says he dislikes masks worn by ICE officers but argues they are necessary to protect personnel amid a surge in assaults and threats; Democrats push for reforms such as body cameras, identification measures, and warrants, while DHS funding negotiations continue and a partial shutdown looms.
A small study exposed five flu-infected participants to 11 healthy volunteers in a poorly ventilated hotel room. Surprisingly, none of the healthy participants became sick, a result researchers attribute to factors like prior immunity in middle-aged adults, a mild flu season, and limited coughing; the study reinforces the value of good airflow and masks in reducing flu spread.
A Xi’an, China study found microplastics in city air within PM2.5 tripled over the study period, with post‑pandemic samples dominated by white/transparent fibers from discarded masks. Inhaled microplastics can deposit in the nose, throat, and lungs, and younger people may be more susceptible. Sources include masks, synthetic clothing, tires, and packaging; aging plastics and ozone may boost release. Outdoors indoors exchange and air monitors, along with cleaner streets and better waste management, could help reduce exposure, and some cities promote reusable masks. The study was published in the Journal of Geophysical Research.
In a controlled hotel-room study with five influenza patients and 11 healthy volunteers, close face-to-face contact did not result in transmission, likely due to limited coughing, rapid mixing and dilution of airborne virus, and possibly age-related protection; the findings underscore ventilation, air movement, and masking as effective defenses against indoor flu spread and could inform infection-control guidelines.
Amid a severe 'super flu' outbreak in 2026, New York hospitals are reinstating mask mandates to curb the spread of the highly contagious Influenza A/H3 virus, which has caused over 239,857 cases in the state, with the worst period between December and February.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill prohibiting federal immigration agents from wearing masks in the state, aiming to increase transparency amid recent controversial raids, though it is expected to face legal challenges due to federal law preemption.
Some Democratic lawmakers are proposing bills to ban federal agents from wearing masks, citing concerns over transparency and accountability, while opponents argue masks are necessary for safety and privacy, especially amid rising threats and doxing of immigration agents. State legislatures are also considering restrictions, though federal regulations may limit their authority. The debate centers on balancing law enforcement safety and public transparency.
The head of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced he will continue allowing agents to wear masks during arrest raids, citing safety concerns despite criticism over accountability and transparency issues. The practice has been controversial, with critics arguing it obscures identity and accountability, while supporters cite agent safety amid increased assaults. Several incidents of impersonation and misconduct have been reported, prompting calls for legislation to ban mask-wearing by federal immigration agents.
Several Democratic-leaning states and cities are considering or proposing laws to ban ICE agents from wearing masks and to require them to display IDs during operations, aiming to increase transparency and prevent impersonation, amid concerns over the conduct of plainclothes agents and community safety. These proposals could lead to legal conflicts with the federal government, which argues such restrictions could demonize agents, while local officials emphasize community safety and accountability.
A study by the University of Maryland found that duckbill N95 masks are significantly more effective at blocking COVID-19 particles than other types of masks, including cloth, surgical, and KN95 masks. The N95 masks blocked 98-99% of viral particles, making them the best option for high-risk situations.
During a congressional hearing, Dr. Anthony Fauci faced scrutiny for contradicting several of his past statements on COVID-19 measures, including social distancing, masking, vaccine efficacy, and the lab leak theory. Republican members of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic questioned Fauci on his changing positions, highlighting inconsistencies in his public health guidance throughout the pandemic.
A comprehensive review has found that masks, particularly well-fitting respirators, are effective in reducing the spread of respiratory diseases. While previous studies, including those by the Cochrane Collaboration, suggested insufficient evidence, this new review incorporated both randomized controlled trials and laboratory studies, showing that masks work and respirators are even more effective. The findings support the CDC's guidance on using high-grade respirators in high-risk environments and emphasize the importance of wearing the best available mask to prevent respiratory infections.
The CDC has updated its COVID-19 guidance, shortening the isolation period to five days and emphasizing a unified approach to addressing risk from COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus. The new recommendations include guidance on testing, mask-wearing, and returning to work after COVID-19. The CDC advises testing for those at higher risk and recommends continued precautions even after isolation ends. The agency also suggests masking and additional precautions for those sick with respiratory viruses, and emphasizes the importance of staying home until symptoms improve.
Sweden has dropped its investigation into the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline, Belgium advises the use of face coverings amid a flu surge, Dutch coalition talks collapse after the shock exit of kingmaker Pieter Omtzigt, Tucker Carlson confirms he's interviewing Vladimir Putin in Moscow, and Germany urges Hungary to quickly ratify Sweden's NATO bid as a matter of loyalty.
Geert Wilders is left stranded as Dutch coalition talks collapse, Belgium advises the use of face coverings amid a flu surge, Tucker Carlson confirms he's interviewing Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Germany urges Orbán to ratify Sweden's NATO bid as a matter of loyalty, and the EU could use toilet diplomacy to force Viktor Orbán to take bathroom breaks to get approval for its budget.