Hundreds of volunteers posed naked in a park in London -- all for an art installation.

The installation was the first major participatory work of art since the United Kingdom went into coronavirus-induced lockdown in March.

At least 220 volunteers, wearing nothing but a white face mask, gathered at Alexandra Palace to take part in the Everyone Together art installation organised by Spencer Tunick.

<img alt="Volunteers at London's Alexandra Palace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ff6915d4-71fe-42c4-895b-952cd56a2ec8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Nude%201.jpg" />

Tunick is anyway known for bringing hundreds of people together to pose for striking mass nude photographs. But since this time, the world is hit by the tragedy called coronavirus, he positioned volunteers at least one metre apart according to social distancing guidelines.

Also, volunteers were screened and temperature-checked before the installation began in the early hours of Saturday morning.

This year, Tunick used video conferencing technology to take images of mask-wearing participants -- capturing his nude installations via collage style screenshots during lockdown.

<img alt="Volunteers at London's Alexandra Palace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa4ae5c1-8790-47df-af8b-f1c92b05c12d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Nude%202.jpg" />

Tunick's London installation was designed to celebrate "participation and freedom."

His naked art has previously been used as a form of protest. Till date, Tunick has photographed a reported 18,000 naked participants in different protests and rallies.

Hundreds of volunteers posed naked in a park in London -- all for an art installation. The installation was the first major participatory work of art since the United Kingdom went into coronavirus-induced lockdown in March.

Hundreds of volunteers posed naked in a park in London -- all for an art installation. The installation was the first major participatory work of art since the United Kingdom went into coronavirus-induced lockdown in March. At least 220 volunteers, wearing nothing but a white face mask, gathered at Alexandra Palace to take part in the Everyone Together art installation organised by Spencer Tunick. Tunick is anyway known for bringing hundreds of people together to pose for striking mass nude photographs. But since this time, the world is hit by the tragedy called coronavirus, he positioned volunteers at least one metre apart according to social distancing guidelines. Also, volunteers were screened and temperature-checked before the installation began in the early hours of Saturday morning. This year, Tunick used video conferencing technology to take images of mask-wearing participants -- capturing his nude installations via collage style screenshots during lockdown. Tunick's London installation was designed to celebrate "participation and freedom." His naked art has previously been used as a form of protest. Till date, Tunick has photographed a reported 18,000 naked participants in different protests and rallies.

Hundreds pose nude wearing only masks in London. All in the name of art

In the sweltering heat and humidity, 31-year-old Caitlyn Tojanes grumbles about having to wear a face shield over her mask as she waits in line for her bus in the Philippine capital Manila.

"It's uncomfortable. Combined with the long queues it means we get to work already tired and bathed in sweat," said Tojanes, whose commute involves three buses and takes several hours.

But she is resigned to the new normal in the Philippines, where it is now compulsory to wear both masks and plastic shields in indoor public spaces and on public transport to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

"With Covid, it's up to the people to maintain discipline," said Tojanes, who works as a store manager in the sprawling capital of 12 million where most of the country's infections have been recorded.

"People should not put the entire burden on the government. We must practise self-discipline."

The latest measure comes as the country struggles to contain the virus outbreak, recording the highest number of confirmed cases in Southeast Asia with more than 283,000 infections and over 4,900 deaths.

Six months after tough restrictions were introduced to curb the contagion -- including stay-at-home orders, travel bans and no talking on buses and trains -- infections are still rising by several thousand every day.

Some measures have been eased to help kickstart the devastated economy.

"It's a big adjustment having to wear a mask and a face shield and having to wash your hands with alcohol each time you touch something," said Jeff Langurayan, 31, his voice slightly muffled by the layers of material and plastic over his face.

But he accepts the need for precautions.

"A lot of people have died and you do not know what will hit you and what effect it would have on your body."

In the sweltering heat and humidity, 31-year-old Caitlyn Tojanes grumbles about having to wear a face shield over her mask as she waits in line for her bus in the Philippine capital Manila.

In the sweltering heat and humidity, 31-year-old Caitlyn Tojanes grumbles about having to wear a face shield over her mask as she waits in line for her bus in the Philippine capital Manila. "It's uncomfortable. Combined with the long queues it means we get to work already tired and bathed in sweat," said Tojanes, whose commute involves three buses and takes several hours. But she is resigned to the new normal in the Philippines, where it is now compulsory to wear both masks and plastic shields in indoor public spaces and on public transport to curb the spread of the coronavirus. "With Covid, it's up to the people to maintain discipline," said Tojanes, who works as a store manager in the sprawling capital of 12 million where most of the country's infections have been recorded. "People should not put the entire burden on the government. We must practise self-discipline." The latest measure comes as the country struggles to contain the virus outbreak, recording the highest number of confirmed cases in Southeast Asia with more than 283,000 infections and over 4,900 deaths. Six months after tough restrictions were introduced to curb the contagion -- including stay-at-home orders, travel bans and no talking on buses and trains -- infections are still rising by several thousand every day. Some measures have been eased to help kickstart the devastated economy. "It's a big adjustment having to wear a mask and a face shield and having to wash your hands with alcohol each time you touch something," said Jeff Langurayan, 31, his voice slightly muffled by the layers of material and plastic over his face. But he accepts the need for precautions. "A lot of people have died and you do not know what will hit you and what effect it would have on your body."

Strict mask, visor rules make Philippine commuters sweat

Scientists examined the effectiveness of common household fabrics used in homemade masks in blocking droplets generated by coughing and sneezing, and have found that they are considerably protective even as a single layer.

While earlier studies have focussed on the transfer of tiny, nanoscale aerosol particles through masks, the researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the US said speaking, coughing, and sneezing generates larger droplets -- about one millimeter in diameter -- that can carry virus particles.

They said the larger droplets pose a problem as they can squeeze through the pores of some fabrics if they have sufficient momentum, and break into smaller droplets and become airborne.

In the study, published in the journal Extreme Mechanics Letters, the scientists filled the nozzle of an inhaler with distilled water seeded with easy-to-find ultrasmall fluorescent particles -- which happens to be the size of a novel coronavirus particle.

The inhaler forced the water through the nozzle when puffed, and generated high-momentum droplets that collected on a plastic dish placed in front of the inhaler, the study noted.

The researchers repeated this process with the various materials placed over the collection dishes to test their ability to block the particles.

"We count the number of nanoparticles landing on the dish using a high-resolution confocal microscope. We can then use the ratio of the number collected with and without the fabric to give us a measure of droplet-blocking efficiency," said study co-author Taher Saif.

However, the scientists said for an individual to feel compelled to wear a mask, the material must not only be able to block the droplets, but also be comfortable and breathable.

"A mask made out of a low-breathability fabric is not only uncomfortable, but can also result in leakage as the exhaled air is forced out around contours of a face, defeating the purpose of the mask and providing a false sense of protection," Saif said.

"Our goal is to show that many common fabrics exploit the trade-off between breathability and efficiency of blocking droplets -- large and small," he added.

The scientists tested the breathability and droplet-blocking ability of 11 common household fabrics, including new and used garments, quilted cloths, bedsheets and dishcloth material, using a medical mask as a benchmark.

They then characterised the fabrics in terms of their construction, fiber content, weight, thread count, porosity and water-absorption rate.

Their analyses revealed that droplets leave the inhaler at about 17 metres per second (mps) while those released by speaking, coughing and sneezing have velocities within the range of 10 to 40 (mps).

"We found that all of the fabrics tested are considerably effective at blocking the 100 nanometer particles carried by high-velocity droplets similar to those that may be released by speaking, coughing and sneezing, even as a single layer," Saif said.

"With two or three layers, even the more permeable fabrics, such as T-shirt cloth, achieve droplet-blocking efficiency that is similar to that of a medical mask, while still maintaining comparable or better breathability," he added.

The researchers believe the new experimental platform may offer a way to test fabrics for their blocking efficiency against the small and larger droplets that are released as people breathe, or cough.&nbsp;

Scientists examined the effectiveness of common household fabrics used in homemade masks in blocking droplets generated by coughing and sneezing, and have found that they are considerably protective even as a single layer.

Scientists examined the effectiveness of common household fabrics used in homemade masks in blocking droplets generated by coughing and sneezing, and have found that they are considerably protective even as a single layer. While earlier studies have focussed on the transfer of tiny, nanoscale aerosol particles through masks, the researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the US said speaking, coughing, and sneezing generates larger droplets -- about one millimeter in diameter -- that can carry virus particles. They said the larger droplets pose a problem as they can squeeze through the pores of some fabrics if they have sufficient momentum, and break into smaller droplets and become airborne. In the study, published in the journal Extreme Mechanics Letters, the scientists filled the nozzle of an inhaler with distilled water seeded with easy-to-find ultrasmall fluorescent particles -- which happens to be the size of a novel coronavirus particle. The inhaler forced the water through the nozzle when puffed, and generated high-momentum droplets that collected on a plastic dish placed in front of the inhaler, the study noted. The researchers repeated this process with the various materials placed over the collection dishes to test their ability to block the particles. "We count the number of nanoparticles landing on the dish using a high-resolution confocal microscope. We can then use the ratio of the number collected with and without the fabric to give us a measure of droplet-blocking efficiency," said study co-author Taher Saif. However, the scientists said for an individual to feel compelled to wear a mask, the material must not only be able to block the droplets, but also be comfortable and breathable. "A mask made out of a low-breathability fabric is not only uncomfortable, but can also result in leakage as the exhaled air is forced out around contours of a face, defeating the purpose of the mask and providing a false sense of protection," Saif said. "Our goal is to show that many common fabrics exploit the trade-off between breathability and efficiency of blocking droplets -- large and small," he added. The scientists tested the breathability and droplet-blocking ability of 11 common household fabrics, including new and used garments, quilted cloths, bedsheets and dishcloth material, using a medical mask as a benchmark. They then characterised the fabrics in terms of their construction, fiber content, weight, thread count, porosity and water-absorption rate. Their analyses revealed that droplets leave the inhaler at about 17 metres per second (mps) while those released by speaking, coughing and sneezing have velocities within the range of 10 to 40 (mps). "We found that all of the fabrics tested are considerably effective at blocking the 100 nanometer particles carried by high-velocity droplets similar to those that may be released by speaking, coughing and sneezing, even as a single layer," Saif said. "With two or three layers, even the more permeable fabrics, such as T-shirt cloth, achieve droplet-blocking efficiency that is similar to that of a medical mask, while still maintaining comparable or better breathability," he added. The researchers believe the new experimental platform may offer a way to test fabrics for their blocking efficiency against the small and larger droplets that are released as people breathe, or cough.

Most homemade face masks block large cough droplets, even as single layer, says study

An Israeli jewellery company has built what it says will be the world’s most expensive coronavirus mask -- a gold, diamond-encrusted face covering with a price tag of US$1.5 million.

The 18-karat white gold mask is decorated with 3,600 white and black diamonds and fitted with top-rated N99 filters at the request of the buyer.

The Yvel company declined to identify the buyer, but said he was a Chinese businessman living in the United States. The owner, designer Isaac Levy, said the buyer had two other demands: that it be completed by the end of the year, and that it would be the priciest in the world.

However, at 270 grammes (over half a pound), the glitzed-up face mask is not likely to be a practical accessory to wear.

Levy said that while he would not wear it himself, he was thankful for the opportunity.

An Israeli jewellery company has built what it says will be the world’s most expensive coronavirus mask -- a gold, diamond-encrusted face covering with a price tag of US$1.

An Israeli jewellery company has built what it says will be the world’s most expensive coronavirus mask -- a gold, diamond-encrusted face covering with a price tag of US$1.5 million. The 18-karat white gold mask is decorated with 3,600 white and black diamonds and fitted with top-rated N99 filters at the request of the buyer. The Yvel company declined to identify the buyer, but said he was a Chinese businessman living in the United States. The owner, designer Isaac Levy, said the buyer had two other demands: that it be completed by the end of the year, and that it would be the priciest in the world. However, at 270 grammes (over half a pound), the glitzed-up face mask is not likely to be a practical accessory to wear. Levy said that while he would not wear it himself, he was thankful for the opportunity.

Israeli jeweler makes world’s most expensive coronavirus mask; Chinese businessman to buy

Controversies surrounding the face mask - the benevolent preventer of coronavirus transmission!

Inspired by the ghouls and monsters he usually encounters in his line of work, Filipino prosthetic makeup artist Rene Abelardo is warding off the coronavirus with style.

Philippine SFX makeup artist wards off virus with horror-inspired masks

An Indian national was among five persons arrested here on Tuesday for stockpiling over one million masks to sell them in the black market, police said.

The coronavirus pandemic has prompted a frenzied buying of masks and hand sanitizers. The shortage due to the increased demand has prompted a growing black market in their sale.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-to-transform-3-hospitals-into-treatment-centres-for-coronavirus-patients-286787"> Nepal to transform 3 hospitals into treatment centres for coronavirus patients</a>

According to police, they raided a godown of RDG International Suppliers at Milanchowk area in Kathmandu and recovered 10,00,800 masks to be sold in the black market.

Five persons, including a 37-year-old resident of India's Rajasthan state, were arrested for stockpiling the masks.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-suspends-visa-on-arrival-services-amid-coronavirus-outbrek-286359">Nepal suspends visa on arrival services, amid coronavirus outbrek</a>

The Indian national, identified as Subash Maheshwori, is one of the directors of the company.

The four other arrested are all Nepalese nationals.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-closes-mount-everest-for-climbers-because-of-coronavirus-fears-286068"> Nepal closes Mount Everest for climbers because of coronavirus fears</a>

They are also the directors of the company, police said, adding that they have been identified as 30-year-old Tekram Shrestha, 34-year-old Sanjaya Regmi, 24-year-old Suraj Goyal and 26-year-old Ajim Baks Miya.

An Indian national was among five persons arrested here on Tuesday for stockpiling over one million masks to sell them in the black market, police said. The coronavirus pandemic has prompted a frenzied buying of masks and hand sanitizers.

An Indian national was among five persons arrested here on Tuesday for stockpiling over one million masks to sell them in the black market, police said. The coronavirus pandemic has prompted a frenzied buying of masks and hand sanitizers. The shortage due to the increased demand has prompted a growing black market in their sale. Also read: Nepal to transform 3 hospitals into treatment centres for coronavirus patients According to police, they raided a godown of RDG International Suppliers at Milanchowk area in Kathmandu and recovered 10,00,800 masks to be sold in the black market. Five persons, including a 37-year-old resident of India's Rajasthan state, were arrested for stockpiling the masks. Also see: Nepal suspends visa on arrival services, amid coronavirus outbrek The Indian national, identified as Subash Maheshwori, is one of the directors of the company. The four other arrested are all Nepalese nationals. Also read: Nepal closes Mount Everest for climbers because of coronavirus fears They are also the directors of the company, police said, adding that they have been identified as 30-year-old Tekram Shrestha, 34-year-old Sanjaya Regmi, 24-year-old Suraj Goyal and 26-year-old Ajim Baks Miya.

Indian national among 5 arrested in Nepal for selling masks in black market

People are turning to face masks to protect themselves from the coronavirus. But, Pharmacies are running out of them. From Hong Kong, to Manila and even Bangkok - countries affected by the Wuhan virus are running short of face masks.

Gravitas: Wuhan virus triggers a shortage of face masks