<p>In what can be called an outrage against harsh COVID-19 policies in Australia, social media seems to be abuzz with several comments, reposts, etc after a video went viral, where Melbourne police can be seen checking a man’s coffee cup to see if it was empty or not to verify his excuse for not wearing a mask. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Melbourne Police grabs a guy’s coffee cup to check if there is coffee in it otherwise, he would of fined him for not wearing a mask 👀<br />
<br />
Coffee is known to kill COVID 🙃☕️ <a href="https://t.co/7wUB1lBXDF">pic.twitter.com/7wUB1lBXDF</a></p>
— DIOGO THE FIVE8 (@Diogothefive8) <a href="https://twitter.com/Diogothefive8/status/1449208824380854275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The video footage, which shows several police officers confronting a man at a park trail, has caught attention of several users. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-island-state-enters-snap-lockdown-421275" hreflang="en">Australia island state enters snap lockdown</a></strong></p>

<p>It is unclear when the 10-second clip was recorded exactly. It had gone viral on social media on Friday and Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's a police state, when you have a policeman checking your coffee cup so he can fine you for not wearing a mask if it's empty. Defunding the police seems like the natural next step. This country is in a big authoritarian mess with no leaders</p>
— antoniopablo1967 (@APablo1967) <a href="https://twitter.com/APablo1967/status/1449329589918973956?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>An officer grabs the man’s coffee cup, while asking, “Do you mind if I check if there’s actually anything in that?” The cop shakes the cup, and after getting satisfied that there was liquid inside, he returns it and tells the man, “Enjoy your coffee.” &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-new-zealand-vaccinates-25-population-in-one-day-421337" hreflang="en">COVID-19: New Zealand vaccinates 2.5% population in one day</a></strong></p>

<p>At the end, the man tells the police, “Jesus loves you all. God bless. I’ll be praying for you all.” &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Why wasn’t the officer forced to change his gloves to touch another person’s property? He could easily spread Covid</p>
— Grant Fairley (@grant_fairley) <a href="https://twitter.com/grant_fairley/status/1449285707529285636?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Although the parkgoer dealt with the confrontation calmly and cordially, the netizens saw it as another example of Australia’s apparent Covid-19 “authoritarianism.” &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


In what can be called an outrage against harsh COVID-19 policies in Australia, social media seems to be abuzz with several comments, reposts, etc after a video went viral, where Melbourne police can be seen checking a man’s coffee cup to see if it was empty or not to verify his excuse for not wearing a mask.

In what can be called an outrage against harsh COVID-19 policies in Australia, social media seems to be abuzz with several comments, reposts, etc after a video went viral, where Melbourne police can be seen checking a man’s coffee cup to see if it was empty or not to verify his excuse for not wearing a mask. Melbourne Police grabs a guy’s coffee cup to check if there is coffee in it otherwise, he would of fined him for not wearing a mask 👀 Coffee is known to kill COVID 🙃☕️ pic.twitter.com/7wUB1lBXDF — DIOGO THE FIVE8 (@Diogothefive8) October 16, 2021 × The video footage, which shows several police officers confronting a man at a park trail, has caught attention of several users. Also Read: Australia island state enters snap lockdown It is unclear when the 10-second clip was recorded exactly. It had gone viral on social media on Friday and Saturday. It's a police state, when you have a policeman checking your coffee cup so he can fine you for not wearing a mask if it's empty. Defunding the police seems like the natural next step. This country is in a big authoritarian mess with no leaders — antoniopablo1967 (@APablo1967) October 16, 2021 × An officer grabs the man’s coffee cup, while asking, “Do you mind if I check if there’s actually anything in that?” The cop shakes the cup, and after getting satisfied that there was liquid inside, he returns it and tells the man, “Enjoy your coffee.” Also Read: COVID-19: New Zealand vaccinates 2.5% population in one day At the end, the man tells the police, “Jesus loves you all. God bless. I’ll be praying for you all.” Why wasn’t the officer forced to change his gloves to touch another person’s property? He could easily spread Covid — Grant Fairley (@grant_fairley) October 16, 2021 × Although the parkgoer dealt with the confrontation calmly and cordially, the netizens saw it as another example of Australia’s apparent Covid-19 “authoritarianism.” (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Australian cops check man’s beverage to verify excuse for not wearing mask, enrage netizens

<p>Several San Francisco Bay Area counties will begin loosening mask requirements for certain indoor public settings, including offices, gyms, college classrooms and churches, once they reach low COVID-19 case and hospitalisation rates and at least 80 per cent of the total population is fully vaccinated, officials announced Thursday.</p>

<p>The Bay Area, with among the highest vaccination rates and lowest case rates in the nation, has been cautious since the start of the pandemic, when counties regionwide issued the nation's first stay-home order in March 2020.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-jab-prevents-severe-virus-for-at-least-6-months-study-418358">Pfizer jab prevents severe virus for at least 6 months: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>After lifting some restrictions in the spring, public health officials in San Francisco, Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara and San Mateo reinstated an indoor mask mandate in August as COVID-19 infections surged because of the highly contagious delta variant.</p>

<p>Since then, cases have declined, and officials have now agreed to start lifting mask mandates in some public spaces. The 80% vaccination rate includes the entire population, not just those 12 and older who are currently eligible for the shots.</p>

<p>"Indoor masking has helped to lower case counts, hospitalisations and COVID-19 deaths, so we don't want to remove this important layer of COVID prevention too hastily," Santa Clara Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody said.</p>

<p>Such a change is likely weeks away in most areas, although San Francisco will begin easing the rules next week in a system that is likely to again create a patchwork of regional rules.</p>

<p>Christos Frangoulis, owner of the Park Street Tavern in Alameda, said the new rules don't appear to change anything for him immediately, and he's fine with that.</p>

<p>"I kind of expected we'd be wearing masks until at least the spring, anyway," he said.</p>

<p>"I'd much rather have my guests wear masks than have my doors shut again.</p>

<p>In Contra Costa County, where 71 per cent of the entire population is vaccinated, officials said it could be a while before people can actually start taking their masks off, given that vaccines for children ages 5 to 11 have yet to be approved.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-covid-19-caseload-tops-2367-million-419033">Global Covid-19 caseload tops 236.7 million</a></strong></p>

<p>I want to make it very clear, we are not there yet and based on the criteria it will probably take a few more weeks before we can enter a store or restaurant without a mask, Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis said.</p>

<p>In San Francisco, where 75 per cent of the entire population is fully vaccinated, patrons of a wide array of businesses are already required to show proof of full vaccination, including offices, gyms and college classrooms. Mayor London Breed's office said Thursday that mask requirements will be eased October 15 for those and other settings with fewer than 100 people, as long as everyone can prove they are vaccinated, the place is well ventilated and no children under 12 are present.</p>

<p>Patrons at San Francisco bars and restaurants must still wear a mask inside, regardless of vaccination status, unless they are eating or drinking, Breed said. The mayor last month was seen on video mask-less at a nightclub, in violation of the rules, and later told reporters that she didn't think the rules were reasonable.</p>

<p>Make sure you are vaccinated because of the requirements but don't feel as though you have to be micromanaged about mask wearing. We don't need the fun police to come in and tell us what we should or shouldn't be doing," she later said.</p>

<p>At John's Grill in San Francisco, owner John Konstin was trying to figure out whether the new guidelines meant a change for his restaurant it sounds like bars and restaurants, we still have to require masks<br />
It's definitely tiring,&nbsp;he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-surpasses-700000-covid-deaths-as-california-schools-make-vaccines-compulsory-417519">US surpasses 700,000 Covid deaths as California schools make vaccines compulsory</a></strong></p>

<p>But at the end of the day, as long as we're staying safe, and cases are low, and vaccinations are high, it seems like we're doing the right thing here," noting that customers have been overwhelmingly positive about the vaccination requirement.</p>

<p>Indoor masking will also continue to be required at San Francisco retail stores and other shared indoor places such as common areas like elevators, lobbies and restrooms, where people from different workplace settings could interact.</p>

<p>State and federal rules still require masks to be worn on public transportation, in health care facilities, in adult and senior care facilities and at K-12 schools.</p>

<p>In Los Angeles County, the state's most populous, there are no immediate plans to adopt a similar criteria for loosening mask mandates, said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of the county's Department of Public Health.</p>

<p>She said Northern California counties have much higher vaccination rates overall and different demographics, though she agreed with the rationale behind the guidelines.</p>


Several San Francisco Bay Area counties will begin loosening mask requirements for certain indoor public settings, including offices, gyms, college classrooms and churches, once they reach low COVID-19 case and hospitalisation rates and at least 80 per cent of the total population is fully vaccinated, officials announced Thursday.

Several San Francisco Bay Area counties will begin loosening mask requirements for certain indoor public settings, including offices, gyms, college classrooms and churches, once they reach low COVID-19 case and hospitalisation rates and at least 80 per cent of the total population is fully vaccinated, officials announced Thursday. The Bay Area, with among the highest vaccination rates and lowest case rates in the nation, has been cautious since the start of the pandemic, when counties regionwide issued the nation's first stay-home order in March 2020. Also Read | Pfizer jab prevents severe virus for at least 6 months: Study After lifting some restrictions in the spring, public health officials in San Francisco, Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara and San Mateo reinstated an indoor mask mandate in August as COVID-19 infections surged because of the highly contagious delta variant. Since then, cases have declined, and officials have now agreed to start lifting mask mandates in some public spaces. The 80% vaccination rate includes the entire population, not just those 12 and older who are currently eligible for the shots. "Indoor masking has helped to lower case counts, hospitalisations and COVID-19 deaths, so we don't want to remove this important layer of COVID prevention too hastily," Santa Clara Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody said. Such a change is likely weeks away in most areas, although San Francisco will begin easing the rules next week in a system that is likely to again create a patchwork of regional rules. Christos Frangoulis, owner of the Park Street Tavern in Alameda, said the new rules don't appear to change anything for him immediately, and he's fine with that. "I kind of expected we'd be wearing masks until at least the spring, anyway," he said. "I'd much rather have my guests wear masks than have my doors shut again. In Contra Costa County, where 71 per cent of the entire population is vaccinated, officials said it could be a while before people can actually start taking their masks off, given that vaccines for children ages 5 to 11 have yet to be approved. Also Read | Global Covid-19 caseload tops 236.7 million I want to make it very clear, we are not there yet and based on the criteria it will probably take a few more weeks before we can enter a store or restaurant without a mask, Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis said. In San Francisco, where 75 per cent of the entire population is fully vaccinated, patrons of a wide array of businesses are already required to show proof of full vaccination, including offices, gyms and college classrooms. Mayor London Breed's office said Thursday that mask requirements will be eased October 15 for those and other settings with fewer than 100 people, as long as everyone can prove they are vaccinated, the place is well ventilated and no children under 12 are present. Patrons at San Francisco bars and restaurants must still wear a mask inside, regardless of vaccination status, unless they are eating or drinking, Breed said. The mayor last month was seen on video mask-less at a nightclub, in violation of the rules, and later told reporters that she didn't think the rules were reasonable. Make sure you are vaccinated because of the requirements but don't feel as though you have to be micromanaged about mask wearing. We don't need the fun police to come in and tell us what we should or shouldn't be doing," she later said. At John's Grill in San Francisco, owner John Konstin was trying to figure out whether the new guidelines meant a change for his restaurant it sounds like bars and restaurants, we still have to require masks It's definitely tiring, he said. Also Read | US surpasses 700,000 Covid deaths as California schools make vaccines compulsory But at the end of the day, as long as we're staying safe, and cases are low, and vaccinations are high, it seems like we're doing the right thing here," noting that customers have been overwhelmingly positive about the vaccination requirement. Indoor masking will also continue to be required at San Francisco retail stores and other shared indoor places such as common areas like elevators, lobbies and restrooms, where people from different workplace settings could interact. State and federal rules still require masks to be worn on public transportation, in health care facilities, in adult and senior care facilities and at K-12 schools. In Los Angeles County, the state's most populous, there are no immediate plans to adopt a similar criteria for loosening mask mandates, said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of the county's Department of Public Health. She said Northern California counties have much higher vaccination rates overall and different demographics, though she agreed with the rationale behind the guidelines.

San Francisco bay area to drop some indoor mask mandates

<p>Germany reacted with shock and outrage on Tuesday after a 20-year-old petrol station worker was shot dead by a customer angry about being asked to put on a mask while buying beer.</p>

<p>The killing on Saturday evening in the western town of Idar-Oberstein is believed to be the first in Germany linked to the government's coronavirus rules.</p>

<p>The row started when the cashier, a student, told the customer to put on a face mask, as required in all German shops. After a brief argument, the man left.</p>

<p>The suspect then returned about an hour and a half later, this time wearing a mask. But as he brought his six-pack of beer to the till, he took off the mask and another discussion ensued.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The perpetrator then pulled out a revolver and shot him straight in the head," prosecutor Kai Fuhrmann told reporters on Monday.</p>

<p>The suspect, a 49-year-old German man, walked to a police station the following day to turn himself in. He was arrested and has confessed to the murder.</p>

<p>He told police he felt "cornered" by the coronavirus measures, which he perceived as an "ever-growing infringement on his rights" and he had seen "no other way out", Fuhrmann said.</p>

<p>Idar-Oberstein mayor Frank Fruehauf called it "an unfathomable, terrible act", and residents have laid flowers and candles outside the petrol station.</p>

<p><strong>Also read</strong> |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-claims-more-american-lives-than-1918-flu-data-shows-414638">Pandemic claims more American lives than 1918 flu, data shows</a></p>

<p>The murder comes just days before Germans head to the polls for a general election on September 26 that will see Chancellor Angela Merkel bow out after 16 years.</p>

<p>Finance Minister Olaf Scholz from the centre-left Social Democrats, the current frontrunner to succeed Merkel, said he was "shocked" by the murder of someone who only wanted "to protect himself and others".</p>

<p>"As a society, we must resolutely stand up to hatred," he tweeted.</p>

<p>Annalena Baerbock, the Green party's candidate for the chancellery, said she was "shaken" by the murder and "very concerned" about growing radicalisation in the anti-mask community.</p>

<p>Paul Ziemiak, general secretary of Merkel's CDU party, said the victim was "practically executed" in an act that showed "an inconceivable level of radicalisation".</p>

<h2>'Growing aggressiveness'</h2>

<p>The Tagesspiegel newspaper said far-right chat groups on Telegram were applauding the murder, with one user writing "Here we go!!!" while others posted thumbs-up emojis.</p>

<p>Germany has seen repeated protests from anti-mask demonstrators throughout the pandemic, some of them attracting tens of thousands of people.</p>

<p>The "Querdenker" (Lateral Thinkers) movement has emerged as the loudest voice against the government's coronavirus curbs and regulations. Its marches have drawn a wide mix of people, including vaccine sceptics, neo-Nazis and members of Germany's far-right AfD party.</p>

<p>Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the "hatred and incitement" of Querdenker "divides our community and kills people". "They have no place in our society," he wrote on Twitter.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cia-officer-reports-havana-syndrome-symptoms-on-india-trip-reports-414634">CIA officer reports Havana syndrome symptoms on India trip: reports</a></p>

<p>Germany's domestic intelligence agency announced in April that it would start monitoring leading Querdenker figures over concerns they were trying to undermine the state and had ties to right-wing extremism.</p>

<p>Stephan Kramer, head of the domestic intelligence agency in the eastern state of Thuringia, told Germany's RND media group he was saddened but not surprised by the killing.</p>

<p>"The escalation of right-wing conspiracy fantasies among aggressive and violence-prone citizens has been obvious for months," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The growing aggressiveness is palpable in everyday life."</p>


Germany reacted with shock and outrage on Tuesday after a 20-year-old petrol station worker was shot dead by a customer angry about being asked to put on a mask while buying beer.

Germany reacted with shock and outrage on Tuesday after a 20-year-old petrol station worker was shot dead by a customer angry about being asked to put on a mask while buying beer. The killing on Saturday evening in the western town of Idar-Oberstein is believed to be the first in Germany linked to the government's coronavirus rules. The row started when the cashier, a student, told the customer to put on a face mask, as required in all German shops. After a brief argument, the man left. The suspect then returned about an hour and a half later, this time wearing a mask. But as he brought his six-pack of beer to the till, he took off the mask and another discussion ensued. "The perpetrator then pulled out a revolver and shot him straight in the head," prosecutor Kai Fuhrmann told reporters on Monday. The suspect, a 49-year-old German man, walked to a police station the following day to turn himself in. He was arrested and has confessed to the murder. He told police he felt "cornered" by the coronavirus measures, which he perceived as an "ever-growing infringement on his rights" and he had seen "no other way out", Fuhrmann said. Idar-Oberstein mayor Frank Fruehauf called it "an unfathomable, terrible act", and residents have laid flowers and candles outside the petrol station. Also read | Pandemic claims more American lives than 1918 flu, data shows The murder comes just days before Germans head to the polls for a general election on September 26 that will see Chancellor Angela Merkel bow out after 16 years. Finance Minister Olaf Scholz from the centre-left Social Democrats, the current frontrunner to succeed Merkel, said he was "shocked" by the murder of someone who only wanted "to protect himself and others". "As a society, we must resolutely stand up to hatred," he tweeted. Annalena Baerbock, the Green party's candidate for the chancellery, said she was "shaken" by the murder and "very concerned" about growing radicalisation in the anti-mask community. Paul Ziemiak, general secretary of Merkel's CDU party, said the victim was "practically executed" in an act that showed "an inconceivable level of radicalisation". 'Growing aggressiveness' The Tagesspiegel newspaper said far-right chat groups on Telegram were applauding the murder, with one user writing "Here we go!!!" while others posted thumbs-up emojis. Germany has seen repeated protests from anti-mask demonstrators throughout the pandemic, some of them attracting tens of thousands of people. The "Querdenker" (Lateral Thinkers) movement has emerged as the loudest voice against the government's coronavirus curbs and regulations. Its marches have drawn a wide mix of people, including vaccine sceptics, neo-Nazis and members of Germany's far-right AfD party. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the "hatred and incitement" of Querdenker "divides our community and kills people". "They have no place in our society," he wrote on Twitter. Also read | CIA officer reports Havana syndrome symptoms on India trip: reports Germany's domestic intelligence agency announced in April that it would start monitoring leading Querdenker figures over concerns they were trying to undermine the state and had ties to right-wing extremism. Stephan Kramer, head of the domestic intelligence agency in the eastern state of Thuringia, told Germany's RND media group he was saddened but not surprised by the killing. "The escalation of right-wing conspiracy fantasies among aggressive and violence-prone citizens has been obvious for months," he said. "The growing aggressiveness is palpable in everyday life."

Covid rage: Asked to put on mask, angry customer kills petrol station worker in Germany

<p>Officials in Singapore said on Thursday that a British man received a jail sentence of six weeks for not wearing a mask and harassing police.</p>

<p>Singapore has taken a tough line against people breaking virus rule. There have been several cases of foreigners being punished.</p>

<p>Benjamin Glynn, the British man, was arrested after clip of him not wearing a mask on a train went viral. The clip had gone viral in May.</p>

<p>The 40-year-old subsequently harassed police sent to arrest him, and refused to wear a face-covering during a court appearance last month.</p>

<p>According to reports, Glynn delivered a rant in court -- in which he described the proceedings as "preposterous" and "disgusting" -- and said masks were not effective in preventing the spread of Covid-19.</p>

<p>This prompted the judge to order a psychiatric assessment, but Glynn was deemed fit enough for the case to continue.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, he was convicted for breaching Covid-19 rules, his behaviour towards police, and causing a public nuisance.</p>

<p>A court official confirmed the jail term to AFP on Thursday, saying it was backdated to July 19 -- the date when Glynn was first remanded.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Officials in Singapore said on Thursday that a British man received a jail sentence of six weeks for not wearing a mask and harassing police. Singapore has taken a tough line against people breaking virus rule.

Officials in Singapore said on Thursday that a British man received a jail sentence of six weeks for not wearing a mask and harassing police. Singapore has taken a tough line against people breaking virus rule. There have been several cases of foreigners being punished. Benjamin Glynn, the British man, was arrested after clip of him not wearing a mask on a train went viral. The clip had gone viral in May. The 40-year-old subsequently harassed police sent to arrest him, and refused to wear a face-covering during a court appearance last month. According to reports, Glynn delivered a rant in court -- in which he described the proceedings as "preposterous" and "disgusting" -- and said masks were not effective in preventing the spread of Covid-19. This prompted the judge to order a psychiatric assessment, but Glynn was deemed fit enough for the case to continue. On Wednesday, he was convicted for breaching Covid-19 rules, his behaviour towards police, and causing a public nuisance. A court official confirmed the jail term to AFP on Thursday, saying it was backdated to July 19 -- the date when Glynn was first remanded. (With inputs from agencies)

Singapore: British man handed jail term for not wearing mask

<p>Social media platform&nbsp;Twitter is abuzz today with "Maskless Obama", "#ObamaVariant", "Obamas" and "Michelle" trending. So, what is all the fuss about?</p>

<p>Barack Obama turned sixty years old on Wednesday, and today the Obama family threw him a birthday party on the upscale island Martha's Vineyard.</p>

<p>&nbsp;<img alt="Obama birthday party" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa7cade0-d05e-4244-a81a-b68b0922624b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-08-08T235938.701.jpg" /></p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/obama-scales-back-60th-birthday-bash-over-surging-delta-variant-402974" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/obama-scales-back-60th-birthday-bash-over-surging-delta-variant-402974&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjU86fK-KHyAhWt7XMBHRipDf8QFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2wxw5kFwy4lSLaYkPN39A5" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/obama-scales-back-60th-birthday-bash-over-surging-delta-variant-402974" target="_blank"><b>Obama scales back 60th birthday bash over surging Delta variant</b>&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>On the internet, some pictures and videos from the bash have been leaked that show Barack Obama boogieing on the dance floor. However, the former president and his guests were spotted without a mask. Due to this, these&nbsp;videos have sparked a social media storm.</p>

<p>Watch the video here:</p>

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<p>The discussion very soon gained a political tinge, with the Twitterati reeling&nbsp;in dismay upon seeing the photos, quickly calling out Obama for flouting the rules.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Let's get one thing straight:<br />
<br />
These pics of Obamas birthday party shows us all that we should NEVER listen to Democrats again.<br />
<br />
No one wore a mask<br />
<br />
No one complied with the covid guidelines established by the American Democrat Marxists.<br />
<br />
The Obamas are enemies to Americans. <a href="https://t.co/Tq6iw2Xumo">pic.twitter.com/Tq6iw2Xumo</a></p>
— Antino Christhope (@AChristhope) <a href="https://twitter.com/AChristhope/status/1424400353773056000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The entire mainstream media colluded to lie to the American people and pretend that Obama was scaling back his party.<br />
He didn’t. He went all in, maskless, inside.<br />
<br />
But your children will be masked at school and you will mask on planes because you are the peasants they rule over. <a href="https://t.co/OP9ojxvvbE">https://t.co/OP9ojxvvbE</a></p>
— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealCandaceO/status/1424387265699229710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The fact that no one on the left is outraged at maskless Obama is another example of how they don’t really care about spreading Covid and all this time they’ve just been using Covid as a tool to try and shame and control people they don’t like. Bunch of hypocrites!</p>
— Miabanana85 (@miabanana85) <a href="https://twitter.com/miabanana85/status/1424411829900615681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><img alt="Obama birthday party" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2053a39e-5c95-45ba-8e57-b37a6617d8da" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-08-08T225703.184.jpg" /></p>

<p>However, many others have pointed out that he is actually not at fault.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I think this maskless Obama madness is even funnier because it's mostly anti mask/vax folks who think it's a "well clearly it's not real if a Democrat isn't wearing a mask" or a "well he's not being responsible either" moment whilst hospitals continue to exceed capacity.</p>
— an art officialnacho (@ConnelJade) <a href="https://twitter.com/ConnelJade/status/1424412622066233348?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A bunch of unvaccinated folks are complaining about, “maskless Obama,” in a group of people who were probably both vaccinated and tested.<br />
<br />
But tbh, with the delta variant, he should have masked anyway.</p>
— Murray Burns (@sardinest) <a href="https://twitter.com/sardinest/status/1424410494438281217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Maskless Obama, all fully vaccinated, still tested beforehand and outside.<br />
Just a lot of jealous, radical right wing hypocrites. They can't help but hate. <a href="https://t.co/J0rhJwAwTx">https://t.co/J0rhJwAwTx</a></p>
— Nicole (@ElixirChartreus) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElixirChartreus/status/1424409294439600139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Which one is true? You don't have to do any research because we did it for you. Obama is not breaking any rules, as some Twitter users correctly pointed out.</p>

<p>According to the CDC guidelines and the regulations of Martha's Vineyard, fully vaccinated individuals are required to wear masks in indoor locations, on private and public transportation etc.</p>

<p>Even the&nbsp;Massachusetts government&nbsp;website says that&nbsp;"Masks are still&nbsp;mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings."</p>

<p>However, since Obama's party is outdoors the guests are not bound to wear masks.&nbsp;</p>


Social media platform Twitter is abuzz today with "Maskless Obama", "#ObamaVariant", "Obamas" and "Michelle" trending. So, what is all the fuss about? Barack Obama turned sixty years old on Wednesday, and today the Obama family threw him a birthday party on the upscale island Martha's Vineyard.

Social media platform Twitter is abuzz today with "Maskless Obama", "#ObamaVariant", "Obamas" and "Michelle" trending. So, what is all the fuss about? Barack Obama turned sixty years old on Wednesday, and today the Obama family threw him a birthday party on the upscale island Martha's Vineyard. Also read | Obama scales back 60th birthday bash over surging Delta variant On the internet, some pictures and videos from the bash have been leaked that show Barack Obama boogieing on the dance floor. However, the former president and his guests were spotted without a mask. Due to this, these videos have sparked a social media storm. Watch the video here: × The discussion very soon gained a political tinge, with the Twitterati reeling in dismay upon seeing the photos, quickly calling out Obama for flouting the rules. Let's get one thing straight: These pics of Obamas birthday party shows us all that we should NEVER listen to Democrats again. No one wore a mask No one complied with the covid guidelines established by the American Democrat Marxists. The Obamas are enemies to Americans. pic.twitter.com/Tq6iw2Xumo — Antino Christhope (@AChristhope) August 8, 2021 × The entire mainstream media colluded to lie to the American people and pretend that Obama was scaling back his party. He didn’t. He went all in, maskless, inside. But your children will be masked at school and you will mask on planes because you are the peasants they rule over. https://t.co/OP9ojxvvbE — Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) August 8, 2021 × The fact that no one on the left is outraged at maskless Obama is another example of how they don’t really care about spreading Covid and all this time they’ve just been using Covid as a tool to try and shame and control people they don’t like. Bunch of hypocrites! — Miabanana85 (@miabanana85) August 8, 2021 × However, many others have pointed out that he is actually not at fault. I think this maskless Obama madness is even funnier because it's mostly anti mask/vax folks who think it's a "well clearly it's not real if a Democrat isn't wearing a mask" or a "well he's not being responsible either" moment whilst hospitals continue to exceed capacity. — an art officialnacho (@ConnelJade) August 8, 2021 × A bunch of unvaccinated folks are complaining about, “maskless Obama,” in a group of people who were probably both vaccinated and tested. But tbh, with the delta variant, he should have masked anyway. — Murray Burns (@sardinest) August 8, 2021 × Maskless Obama, all fully vaccinated, still tested beforehand and outside. Just a lot of jealous, radical right wing hypocrites. They can't help but hate. https://t.co/J0rhJwAwTx — Nicole (@ElixirChartreus) August 8, 2021 × Which one is true? You don't have to do any research because we did it for you. Obama is not breaking any rules, as some Twitter users correctly pointed out. According to the CDC guidelines and the regulations of Martha's Vineyard, fully vaccinated individuals are required to wear masks in indoor locations, on private and public transportation etc. Even the Massachusetts government website says that "Masks are still mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings." However, since Obama's party is outdoors the guests are not bound to wear masks.

Watch: Obama dances maskless on birthday; Twitter bursts into debate

<p>Broadway’s theatre owners and operators, citing the ongoing dangers of the coronavirus pandemic, said Friday that they have decided to require that theatregoers be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a>&nbsp;against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> and wear masks in order to attend a performance.</p>

<p>The policy announced just days before the first Broadway play in more than 16 months is to start performances, allows children ineligible for vaccination to attend shows if tested for the virus. But some performing arts venues in New York say they will go even further: The Metropolitan Opera, which hopes to reopen in late September, and Carnegie Hall, which is planning to reopen in October, are planning not only to require vaccinations but also to bar children younger than 12 who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-new-yorks-met-opera-mandates-vaccines-for-new-season-401064">New York's Met Opera mandates vaccines for new season</a></strong></p>

<p>The new vaccination requirements for visitors to New York’s most prominent performing arts venues come as the highly contagious delta variant has caused COVID-19 cases to rise, leading the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to recommend that vaccinated Americans in virus hot spots resume wearing masks indoors. Several major businesses, local governments and the federal government have recently decided to require their employees to get vaccinated or submit to frequent testing.</p>

<p>The Broadway rules, which will be in place at least through October and apply to all 41 Broadway theatres, require that audiences wear masks, except when eating or drinking.</p>

<p>The Broadway vaccination mandate will apply not only to audiences but also to performers, backstage crew and theatre staff. There will be limited exceptions: “people with a medical condition or closely held religious belief that prevents vaccination,” as well as children younger than 12, can attend with proof of a recent negative coronavirus test.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-offers-100-to-citizens-who-get-vaccinated-against-covid-19-401523">New York offers $100 to citizens who get vaccinated against COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>A vaccine mandate is already in place for Bruce Springsteen’s concert-show, which began performances in June, and for “Pass Over,” the new play that plans to start performances Aug. 4. The new rules will affect all of the shows that follow; 27, including many of the blockbuster musicals, plan to get underway in September and October, starting with “Hadestown” and “Waitress” on Sept. 2.</p>

<p>“We have said from day one that we want our casts, our crews and our audiences to be safe, and we believe that this is a precaution to ensure that,” said Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League. “We’re doing everything we can to open safely and protect everyone.”</p>

<p>Deciding what to do about young children has proved particularly vexing, given that no vaccine has yet been approved for pediatric use. Although Broadway, which has a number of shows that depend on ticket buying by families with children, has decided to allow those younger than 12 to attend if tested, the Met Opera, which draws fewer young children to most of its productions, is taking a more restrictive approach.</p>

<p>“Children under the age of 12, for whom there is no currently available vaccine, are not permitted to enter the Met regardless of the vaccination status of their guardian,” the company declares on its website.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-make-coronavirus-vaccine-compulsory-for-federal-workers-reports-401159">Biden to make coronavirus vaccine compulsory for federal workers: Reports</a></strong></p>

<p>“Obviously, it’s painful to me personally and to the company not to have young people coming into the theater,” said Peter Gelb, general manager of the Met, who said that the company’s vaccination policies were designed to protect its roughly 3,000 employees and to make audiences feel comfortable about coming back and sitting in close quarters. The Met is also requiring all visiting artists and the members of its orchestra and chorus, as well as its staff, to be vaccinated.</p>

<p>Barring children younger than 12, for now, had been a difficult decision, Gelb said: “They are our future audience.”</p>

<p>Gelb said that he hoped children would become eligible for vaccines by December when the Met is planning two holiday presentations aimed at families and children: the company’s shortened, English-language version of “The Magic Flute,” and “Cinderella,” an English-language adaptation of Massenet’s “Cendrillon.”</p>

<p>Both Broadway and the Met are planning to open at full capacity, meaning no social distancing, and the Met says that masks will be optional. Broadway theatres range in size from 600-1,900 seats, while the Met can seat 3,800.</p>

<p>Broadway will provide additional safety measures backstage. An agreement announced Thursday between the Broadway League, a trade association representing producers as well as theatre owners, and Actors’ Equity Association, the labour union representing performers and stage managers, requires weekly testing for employees, as well as the vaccine mandate.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-york-govt-gives-new-incentives-for-people-getting-vaccinated-against-coronavirus-401500/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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<p>The tough new rules for audiences are not entirely a surprise. “Springsteen on Broadway” and “Pass Over” have mandated audience vaccination, and Disney Theatrical Productions, which produces “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” on Broadway, required proof of vaccination by attendees at a four-night concert run this month at the New Amsterdam Theater. (Disney allowed those younger than 12 to enter if accompanied by a vaccinated adult.)</p>

<p>There are some venues staging work in New York without requiring vaccinations, but others have implemented mandates, including Madison Square Garden, which in June required vaccination for patrons at a Foo Fighters concert. The Park Avenue Armory, which had accepted proof of vaccination or a recent negative test for its first dance show this summer, has been getting stricter; all attendees must be fully vaccinated for its next show, a new work by choreographer Bill T. Jones called “Deep Blue Sea” that is scheduled to start performances in September.</p>

<p>Broadway theatres are especially high-visibility and especially challenging since they draw audiences of all ages and from all over the world to sit side by side in tightly packed buildings with small lobbies and bathrooms and cramped backstage areas. Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York had suggested in May that Broadway should consider a vaccination mandate, but some producers had hoped to avoid such a step, fearing that it could dampen attendance at a time when tourism is down and consumer readiness to return to theatergoing remains uncertain. The recent rise in transmission persuaded the industry’s leadership to set aside those concerns and embrace the vaccination mandate, at least for the next few months.</p>
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<p>For those who have already purchased tickets and are unwilling or unable to comply with the new policies, there are likely to be options: Most shows have adopted liberal refund and exchange policies for the fall.</p>

<p>The League said that in September it would reassess safety protocols for performances in November and beyond.</p>


Broadway’s theatre owners and operators, citing the ongoing dangers of the coronavirus pandemic, said Friday that they have decided to require that theatregoers be vaccinated against COVID-19 and wear masks in order to attend a performance.

Broadway’s theatre owners and operators, citing the ongoing dangers of the coronavirus pandemic, said Friday that they have decided to require that theatregoers be vaccinated against COVID-19 and wear masks in order to attend a performance. The policy announced just days before the first Broadway play in more than 16 months is to start performances, allows children ineligible for vaccination to attend shows if tested for the virus. But some performing arts venues in New York say they will go even further: The Metropolitan Opera, which hopes to reopen in late September, and Carnegie Hall, which is planning to reopen in October, are planning not only to require vaccinations but also to bar children younger than 12 who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated. Also read | New York's Met Opera mandates vaccines for new season The new vaccination requirements for visitors to New York’s most prominent performing arts venues come as the highly contagious delta variant has caused COVID-19 cases to rise, leading the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to recommend that vaccinated Americans in virus hot spots resume wearing masks indoors. Several major businesses, local governments and the federal government have recently decided to require their employees to get vaccinated or submit to frequent testing. The Broadway rules, which will be in place at least through October and apply to all 41 Broadway theatres, require that audiences wear masks, except when eating or drinking. The Broadway vaccination mandate will apply not only to audiences but also to performers, backstage crew and theatre staff. There will be limited exceptions: “people with a medical condition or closely held religious belief that prevents vaccination,” as well as children younger than 12, can attend with proof of a recent negative coronavirus test. Also read | New York offers $100 to citizens who get vaccinated against COVID-19 A vaccine mandate is already in place for Bruce Springsteen’s concert-show, which began performances in June, and for “Pass Over,” the new play that plans to start performances Aug. 4. The new rules will affect all of the shows that follow; 27, including many of the blockbuster musicals, plan to get underway in September and October, starting with “Hadestown” and “Waitress” on Sept. 2. “We have said from day one that we want our casts, our crews and our audiences to be safe, and we believe that this is a precaution to ensure that,” said Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League. “We’re doing everything we can to open safely and protect everyone.” Deciding what to do about young children has proved particularly vexing, given that no vaccine has yet been approved for pediatric use. Although Broadway, which has a number of shows that depend on ticket buying by families with children, has decided to allow those younger than 12 to attend if tested, the Met Opera, which draws fewer young children to most of its productions, is taking a more restrictive approach. “Children under the age of 12, for whom there is no currently available vaccine, are not permitted to enter the Met regardless of the vaccination status of their guardian,” the company declares on its website. Also read | Biden to make coronavirus vaccine compulsory for federal workers: Reports “Obviously, it’s painful to me personally and to the company not to have young people coming into the theater,” said Peter Gelb, general manager of the Met, who said that the company’s vaccination policies were designed to protect its roughly 3,000 employees and to make audiences feel comfortable about coming back and sitting in close quarters. The Met is also requiring all visiting artists and the members of its orchestra and chorus, as well as its staff, to be vaccinated. Barring children younger than 12, for now, had been a difficult decision, Gelb said: “They are our future audience.” Gelb said that he hoped children would become eligible for vaccines by December when the Met is planning two holiday presentations aimed at families and children: the company’s shortened, English-language version of “The Magic Flute,” and “Cinderella,” an English-language adaptation of Massenet’s “Cendrillon.” Both Broadway and the Met are planning to open at full capacity, meaning no social distancing, and the Met says that masks will be optional. Broadway theatres range in size from 600-1,900 seats, while the Met can seat 3,800. Broadway will provide additional safety measures backstage. An agreement announced Thursday between the Broadway League, a trade association representing producers as well as theatre owners, and Actors’ Equity Association, the labour union representing performers and stage managers, requires weekly testing for employees, as well as the vaccine mandate. The tough new rules for audiences are not entirely a surprise. “Springsteen on Broadway” and “Pass Over” have mandated audience vaccination, and Disney Theatrical Productions, which produces “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” on Broadway, required proof of vaccination by attendees at a four-night concert run this month at the New Amsterdam Theater. (Disney allowed those younger than 12 to enter if accompanied by a vaccinated adult.) There are some venues staging work in New York without requiring vaccinations, but others have implemented mandates, including Madison Square Garden, which in June required vaccination for patrons at a Foo Fighters concert. The Park Avenue Armory, which had accepted proof of vaccination or a recent negative test for its first dance show this summer, has been getting stricter; all attendees must be fully vaccinated for its next show, a new work by choreographer Bill T. Jones called “Deep Blue Sea” that is scheduled to start performances in September. Broadway theatres are especially high-visibility and especially challenging since they draw audiences of all ages and from all over the world to sit side by side in tightly packed buildings with small lobbies and bathrooms and cramped backstage areas. Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York had suggested in May that Broadway should consider a vaccination mandate, but some producers had hoped to avoid such a step, fearing that it could dampen attendance at a time when tourism is down and consumer readiness to return to theatergoing remains uncertain. The recent rise in transmission persuaded the industry’s leadership to set aside those concerns and embrace the vaccination mandate, at least for the next few months. For those who have already purchased tickets and are unwilling or unable to comply with the new policies, there are likely to be options: Most shows have adopted liberal refund and exchange policies for the fall. The League said that in September it would reassess safety protocols for performances in November and beyond.

Broadway audiences will need proof of vaccination and masks

<p>The American infectious disease agency Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has urged fully vaccinated people living in substantial and high transmission areas to wear masks indoors. This is a major reversal in guidance that underscored USA's struggle to suppress the Delta variant.</p>

<p>President Joe Biden said the announcement showed that America needs to "do better" on vaccinations, adding that a vaccine mandate for the country's more than two million federal workers was now "under consideration."</p>

<p>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Rochelle Walensky cited new data that shows rare breakthrough cases involving Delta have an increased risk of onward transmission.</p>

<p>"In areas with substantial and high transmission, CDC recommends fully vaccinated people wear masks in public indoor settings," she said.</p>

<p>Till last week, the CDC had defended its decision that said that vaccinated people didn't have to wear masks indoors. White House has also told its staff to mask up again due to local transmission rates.</p>

<p>According to the latest CDC data, 63 percent of the country's more than 3,200 counties are experiencing substantial or high transmission.</p>

<p>Substantial is defined as being between 50 to 100 daily cases per 100,000 people over seven days, while high is defined as more than 100 daily cases per 100,000 over seven days.</p>

<p>Biden said he would lay out new steps on Thursday to overcome the lag in vaccinations after the country's strong start to its program.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The American infectious disease agency Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has urged fully vaccinated people living in substantial and high transmission areas to wear masks indoors.

The American infectious disease agency Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has urged fully vaccinated people living in substantial and high transmission areas to wear masks indoors. This is a major reversal in guidance that underscored USA's struggle to suppress the Delta variant. President Joe Biden said the announcement showed that America needs to "do better" on vaccinations, adding that a vaccine mandate for the country's more than two million federal workers was now "under consideration." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Rochelle Walensky cited new data that shows rare breakthrough cases involving Delta have an increased risk of onward transmission. "In areas with substantial and high transmission, CDC recommends fully vaccinated people wear masks in public indoor settings," she said. Till last week, the CDC had defended its decision that said that vaccinated people didn't have to wear masks indoors. White House has also told its staff to mask up again due to local transmission rates. According to the latest CDC data, 63 percent of the country's more than 3,200 counties are experiencing substantial or high transmission. Substantial is defined as being between 50 to 100 daily cases per 100,000 people over seven days, while high is defined as more than 100 daily cases per 100,000 over seven days. Biden said he would lay out new steps on Thursday to overcome the lag in vaccinations after the country's strong start to its program. (With inputs from agencies)

Mask up, CDC tells fully vaccinated US citizens

<p>A policeman in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) shot a student for not wearing a mask while filming on the streets of the capital city.</p>

<p>The victim&nbsp;was a student at the University of Kinshasa who was shooting the streets of the capital city for a practical work project when he was shot by a policeman.</p>

<p>"Our friend Honore Shama, a student in the faculty of arts at the University of Kinshasa, was filming a video as part of his acting practical work requirement," Patient Odia, a friend who was present at the confrontation, told AFP. "A policeman told him to wear a mask during the filming."</p>

<p>Apparently, the student had offered his explanation to the police officer, who still shot the student after he got frustrated, probably after he was not offered money.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-mountain-made-of-gold-rich-ores-found-in-dr-congo-locals-rush-in-with-shovels-368750"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></p>

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<p>"Despite his (Shama's) explanations and after having shown him a mask, the policeman, who was expecting to be offered money, became infuriated, accused him of resisting and shot him at point-blank range,"&nbsp;the witness claimed.</p>

<p>The story of several witnesses recounted the same narration, which was featured on a local radio channel.</p>

<p>After the incident, the policeman has reportedly fled the city, but two other officers who were present at the scene have been detained.</p>

<p>"Police have detained two police officers, present during the incident provoked by their irresponsible colleague... as well as the head," General Sylvano Kasongo, the head of Kinshasa police said. "The search continues to find the fugitive policeman."</p>

<p>DR Congo follows a strict policy when it comes to mask wearing. Anyone found flouting the rules is fined $5 (10,000 Congolese Frances). However, several locals have complained of police officers harassing them to collect money.</p>


A policeman in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) shot a student for not wearing a mask while filming on the streets of the capital city. The victim was a student at the University of Kinshasa who was shooting the streets of the capital city for a practical work project when he was shot by a policeman.

A policeman in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) shot a student for not wearing a mask while filming on the streets of the capital city. The victim was a student at the University of Kinshasa who was shooting the streets of the capital city for a practical work project when he was shot by a policeman. "Our friend Honore Shama, a student in the faculty of arts at the University of Kinshasa, was filming a video as part of his acting practical work requirement," Patient Odia, a friend who was present at the confrontation, told AFP. "A policeman told him to wear a mask during the filming." Apparently, the student had offered his explanation to the police officer, who still shot the student after he got frustrated, probably after he was not offered money. WATCH | "Despite his (Shama's) explanations and after having shown him a mask, the policeman, who was expecting to be offered money, became infuriated, accused him of resisting and shot him at point-blank range," the witness claimed. The story of several witnesses recounted the same narration, which was featured on a local radio channel. After the incident, the policeman has reportedly fled the city, but two other officers who were present at the scene have been detained. "Police have detained two police officers, present during the incident provoked by their irresponsible colleague... as well as the head," General Sylvano Kasongo, the head of Kinshasa police said. "The search continues to find the fugitive policeman." DR Congo follows a strict policy when it comes to mask wearing. Anyone found flouting the rules is fined $5 (10,000 Congolese Frances). However, several locals have complained of police officers harassing them to collect money.

DR Congo: Policeman shoots student for not wearing mask

<p>A man was kicked out of a train in Spain by fellow passengers after he refused to wear a mask, despite repeated requests from people on board.</p>

<p>While Spain does not have any monetary or legal penalty for not wearing masks in public spaces, locals have taken it upon themselves to urge fellow citizens to wear masks.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨🇪🇸 | NEW: Passengers throw a guy off a train in Spain for not wearing a mask<br />
<br />
<a href="https://t.co/CQNPidJHxk">pic.twitter.com/CQNPidJHxk</a></p>
— News For All (@NewsForAllUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/NewsForAllUK/status/1415801924373393412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>When a man on a train was spotted without a mask, he was urged by fellow passengers to cover his face. However, he refused to give in to the requests of his fellow passengers.</p>

<p>A video being shared on Twitter shows passengers, who can be seen wearing masks, protesting against that one maskless man who was boarding the train. The incident started when a man stopped the maskless passenger from entering the carriage.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nervous-londoners-think-its-too-early-to-end-covid-restrictions-399041">Nervous Londoners think it's 'too early' to end Covid restrictions</a></strong></p>

<p>However, when the man refused to give in, passengers started to corner the maskless man. The video shows two women pushing the man towards the door of the carriage, which forces him to exit the vehicle.</p>

<p>The man&nbsp;refused to wear a mask even then. In the video evidence, he can be seen going to a corner of the train station near a bench. He waited for the next train, but without wearing a mask.</p>

<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) and several other health experts urged people to wear a mask whenever stepping outdoors and meeting people indoors in a social gathering. Experts believe this is the only way to slow down the spread of deadly coronavirus, especially with the spread of new variants such as Delta, Beta, and Alpha.</p>


A man was kicked out of a train in Spain by fellow passengers after he refused to wear a mask, despite repeated requests from people on board. While Spain does not have any monetary or legal penalty for not wearing masks in public spaces, locals have taken it upon themselves to urge fellow citizens to wear masks.

A man was kicked out of a train in Spain by fellow passengers after he refused to wear a mask, despite repeated requests from people on board. While Spain does not have any monetary or legal penalty for not wearing masks in public spaces, locals have taken it upon themselves to urge fellow citizens to wear masks. 🚨🇪🇸 | NEW: Passengers throw a guy off a train in Spain for not wearing a mask pic.twitter.com/CQNPidJHxk — News For All (@NewsForAllUK) July 15, 2021 × When a man on a train was spotted without a mask, he was urged by fellow passengers to cover his face. However, he refused to give in to the requests of his fellow passengers. A video being shared on Twitter shows passengers, who can be seen wearing masks, protesting against that one maskless man who was boarding the train. The incident started when a man stopped the maskless passenger from entering the carriage. Also read | Nervous Londoners think it's 'too early' to end Covid restrictions However, when the man refused to give in, passengers started to corner the maskless man. The video shows two women pushing the man towards the door of the carriage, which forces him to exit the vehicle. The man refused to wear a mask even then. In the video evidence, he can be seen going to a corner of the train station near a bench. He waited for the next train, but without wearing a mask. The World Health Organization (WHO) and several other health experts urged people to wear a mask whenever stepping outdoors and meeting people indoors in a social gathering. Experts believe this is the only way to slow down the spread of deadly coronavirus, especially with the spread of new variants such as Delta, Beta, and Alpha.

Man kicked out of Spanish train by fellow passengers for not wearing mask

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b57ca1a8-bb39-4fcc-849e-ff5e055fc343}{74}" paraid="112773597" >A survey conducted by the Greater Chennai Corporation and the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Epidemiology&nbsp;(ICMR-NIE) has revealed a significant improvement in mask-wearing etiquette among&nbsp;Chennaiites.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b57ca1a8-bb39-4fcc-849e-ff5e055fc343}{74}" paraid="112773597" >A July survey of 3,200 individuals (outdoors) and 1,280 individuals (in stores, pharmacy, places of worship) conducted across 32 slum and 32 non-slum streets has indicated 41% mask compliance in slums and 47% in non-slum outdoor areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b57ca1a8-bb39-4fcc-849e-ff5e055fc343}{248}" paraid="1378381005" >The improvement is noticeable especially when comparing the results of surveys that have been conducted throughout the pandemic. Four rounds of such surveys were conducted&nbsp;in&nbsp;October 2020, December 2020, March 2021 and July 2021.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b57ca1a8-bb39-4fcc-849e-ff5e055fc343}{248}" paraid="1378381005" >The methodology was to select 64 streets at random (32 in slums and 32 in non-slums) and observe 50 consecutive individuals outdoors and 20 individuals in indoor spaces.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9909fe6e-3eb8-4aa6-90ad-14034a6c36c4}{17}" paraid="354387065" >Indoor spaces included grocery and vegetable stores, pharmacies, religious places, apparel stores. Whereas, outdoor public spaces were streets in residential or commercial areas, markets, bus stops,&nbsp;etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9909fe6e-3eb8-4aa6-90ad-14034a6c36c4}{41}" paraid="1825260738" >The latest round of the study has revealed that 38% of the slum and 25% of the non-slum population did not wear masks while outdoors. “Indoor mask compliance was at 24% in slums and 33% in non-slums. 39% of the slum population and 34% of the non-slum population did not wear any masks indoors,” read the report.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9909fe6e-3eb8-4aa6-90ad-14034a6c36c4}{65}" paraid="1330566723" >Past survey data on mask compliance says that there was only 28% appropriate use in slums and 36% in non-slums&nbsp;in&nbsp;Round 1,&nbsp;October&nbsp;2020. In Round 2,&nbsp;December 2020, the same was observed, whereas malls showed highest compliance of mask discipline&nbsp;(57%).</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9909fe6e-3eb8-4aa6-90ad-14034a6c36c4}{65}" paraid="1330566723" >Round 3 in March 2021 showed 21% compliance in slum areas and 27% in non-slum areas. Thereby, the latest figures of 41% mask compliance in slums and 47% in non-slum outdoor areas is a significant improvement for the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9909fe6e-3eb8-4aa6-90ad-14034a6c36c4}{89}" paraid="213076048" >While this can be seen as a positive development, it must be pointed out that there has been a marginal rise in daily cases in Chennai, over the weekend.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9909fe6e-3eb8-4aa6-90ad-14034a6c36c4}{89}" paraid="213076048" >With partial normalcy having returned and&nbsp;big&nbsp;companies working at 100% strength,&nbsp;and&nbsp;restaurants, malls, markets&nbsp;and&nbsp;meat stalls open, the danger of a possible third wave is&nbsp;becoming inevitable. Experts have been advising caution and vigil among the public, regarding the following of Covid norms.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9909fe6e-3eb8-4aa6-90ad-14034a6c36c4}{113}" paraid="738692707" >Sunday’s Government health bulletin said that the city had 150 new cases, as against Saturday’s 137 cases. Since July 7, the city has been reporting less than 200 daily cases.&nbsp;</p>


A survey conducted by the Greater Chennai Corporation and the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE) has revealed a significant improvement in mask-wearing etiquette among Chennaiites.

A survey conducted by the Greater Chennai Corporation and the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE) has revealed a significant improvement in mask-wearing etiquette among Chennaiites. A July survey of 3,200 individuals (outdoors) and 1,280 individuals (in stores, pharmacy, places of worship) conducted across 32 slum and 32 non-slum streets has indicated 41% mask compliance in slums and 47% in non-slum outdoor areas. The improvement is noticeable especially when comparing the results of surveys that have been conducted throughout the pandemic. Four rounds of such surveys were conducted in October 2020, December 2020, March 2021 and July 2021. The methodology was to select 64 streets at random (32 in slums and 32 in non-slums) and observe 50 consecutive individuals outdoors and 20 individuals in indoor spaces. Indoor spaces included grocery and vegetable stores, pharmacies, religious places, apparel stores. Whereas, outdoor public spaces were streets in residential or commercial areas, markets, bus stops, etc. The latest round of the study has revealed that 38% of the slum and 25% of the non-slum population did not wear masks while outdoors. “Indoor mask compliance was at 24% in slums and 33% in non-slums. 39% of the slum population and 34% of the non-slum population did not wear any masks indoors,” read the report. Past survey data on mask compliance says that there was only 28% appropriate use in slums and 36% in non-slums in Round 1, October 2020. In Round 2, December 2020, the same was observed, whereas malls showed highest compliance of mask discipline (57%). Round 3 in March 2021 showed 21% compliance in slum areas and 27% in non-slum areas. Thereby, the latest figures of 41% mask compliance in slums and 47% in non-slum outdoor areas is a significant improvement for the city. While this can be seen as a positive development, it must be pointed out that there has been a marginal rise in daily cases in Chennai, over the weekend. With partial normalcy having returned and big companies working at 100% strength, and restaurants, malls, markets and meat stalls open, the danger of a possible third wave is becoming inevitable. Experts have been advising caution and vigil among the public, regarding the following of Covid norms. Sunday’s Government health bulletin said that the city had 150 new cases, as against Saturday’s 137 cases. Since July 7, the city has been reporting less than 200 daily cases.

ICMR-civic body study reveals improvement in proper mask-wearing etiquette in Chennai  

<p class="MsoNormal">As several countries inch towards completely lifting all <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid regulations</a>, scientists are urging governments and people to continue wearing face coverings to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">UK scientists have come together to protest against unlocking the economy and have urged locals to continue wearing masks in enclosed public spaces. Experts believe wearing masks in cafes, restaurants, pubs, theatres and indoor gatherings is the best way to limit the spread of COVID-19.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-adults-in-britain-offered-a-covid-19-shot-ahead-of-monday-reopening-398792" hreflang="en">All adults in Britain offered a COVID-19 shot ahead of Monday reopening</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"If you don’t wear masks, the virus will spread further. It is as simple as that," Julian Tang, a clinical virologist at Leicester University was quoted by the Guardian.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">As the cases in the country continue to rise and people are getting more comfortable with the idea of abandoning Covid precautions, the experts have warned that the country could be forced into another lockdown towards the end of the year if the trend continues.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">He also explained that masks work both ways as it limits the spread of infected particles from a person and also helps the mask-wearer from getting infected by anyone else.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALso read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-health-secretary-sajid-javid-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-398713" hreflang="en">UK's health secretary, Sajid Javid, tests positive for coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"If you assume that a mask at least halves transmission, that means that for every 1,000 virus particles an infected person breathes out, only 500 will leave your mask. Then, when those particles reach someone else, similarly their masks will ensure at least a twofold reduction in the number&nbsp;of viruses reaching their mouths or noses,"&nbsp;Tang explained in the Observer. "In other words, of the 1,000 virus particles an infected person has breathed out, only 250 or so will reach another person. That should reduce infection rates, and that is why masks are important."</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Scientists have warned people that there is a high probability that one out of several fellow restaurant guests or train passengers is infected by COVID-19, and thus, wearing a face mask in such situations becomes critical.</p>


As several countries inch towards completely lifting all Covid regulations, scientists are urging governments and people to continue wearing face coverings to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

As several countries inch towards completely lifting all Covid regulations, scientists are urging governments and people to continue wearing face coverings to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus. UK scientists have come together to protest against unlocking the economy and have urged locals to continue wearing masks in enclosed public spaces. Experts believe wearing masks in cafes, restaurants, pubs, theatres and indoor gatherings is the best way to limit the spread of COVID-19. Also read | All adults in Britain offered a COVID-19 shot ahead of Monday reopening "If you don’t wear masks, the virus will spread further. It is as simple as that," Julian Tang, a clinical virologist at Leicester University was quoted by the Guardian. As the cases in the country continue to rise and people are getting more comfortable with the idea of abandoning Covid precautions, the experts have warned that the country could be forced into another lockdown towards the end of the year if the trend continues. He also explained that masks work both ways as it limits the spread of infected particles from a person and also helps the mask-wearer from getting infected by anyone else. ALso read | UK's health secretary, Sajid Javid, tests positive for coronavirus "If you assume that a mask at least halves transmission, that means that for every 1,000 virus particles an infected person breathes out, only 500 will leave your mask. Then, when those particles reach someone else, similarly their masks will ensure at least a twofold reduction in the number of viruses reaching their mouths or noses," Tang explained in the Observer. "In other words, of the 1,000 virus particles an infected person has breathed out, only 250 or so will reach another person. That should reduce infection rates, and that is why masks are important." Scientists have warned people that there is a high probability that one out of several fellow restaurant guests or train passengers is infected by COVID-19, and thus, wearing a face mask in such situations becomes critical.

Wearing masks only sure way to help slow spread of coronavirus: Scientists

<p>Wearing a face mask at an indoor public establishment will once again be mandatory in&nbsp;Los&nbsp;Angeles&nbsp;starting this weekend due to a steady increase in Covid-19 infections and hospitalizations, health authorities said Thursday.</p>

<p>Los&nbsp;Angeles&nbsp;is the first large US metropolis to reimpose the use of face masks -- regardless of vaccination status -- in shops, grocery stores, restaurants and workplaces to help contain the pandemic.</p>

<p>The new masking order goes into effect midnight Saturday in the county of&nbsp;Los&nbsp;Angeles.</p>

<p>Los&nbsp;Angeles&nbsp;is "not where we need to be" in terms of numbers of vaccinated people, said county health officer Muntu Davis.</p>

<p>On Thursday the county reported 1,537 new cases of infection -- the highest number since early March, and the seventh straight day of new cases numbers topping 1,000. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/half-of-hospitalised-covid-19-patients-develop-organ-complications-irrespective-of-age-study-398395"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Half of hospitalised COVID-19 patients develop organ complications irrespective of age: Study</strong></a></p>

<p>US health officials announced in mid-May that fully vaccinated Americans could say goodbye to their masks both outdoors and indoors.</p>

<p>However, after peaking in April the US immunization campaign has slowed significantly, even though plenty of vaccines are available.</p>

<p>The increase in Covid-19 cases, mainly due to the spread of the Delta variant, has some officials worried.</p>

<p>The vast majority of people testing positive for Covid-19, some of whom must be hospitalized, have not been vaccinated.</p>


Wearing a face mask at an indoor public establishment will once again be mandatory in Los Angeles starting this weekend due to a steady increase in Covid-19 infections and hospitalizations, health authorities said Thursday.

Wearing a face mask at an indoor public establishment will once again be mandatory in Los Angeles starting this weekend due to a steady increase in Covid-19 infections and hospitalizations, health authorities said Thursday. Los Angeles is the first large US metropolis to reimpose the use of face masks -- regardless of vaccination status -- in shops, grocery stores, restaurants and workplaces to help contain the pandemic. The new masking order goes into effect midnight Saturday in the county of Los Angeles. Los Angeles is "not where we need to be" in terms of numbers of vaccinated people, said county health officer Muntu Davis. On Thursday the county reported 1,537 new cases of infection -- the highest number since early March, and the seventh straight day of new cases numbers topping 1,000. Also read | Half of hospitalised COVID-19 patients develop organ complications irrespective of age: Study US health officials announced in mid-May that fully vaccinated Americans could say goodbye to their masks both outdoors and indoors. However, after peaking in April the US immunization campaign has slowed significantly, even though plenty of vaccines are available. The increase in Covid-19 cases, mainly due to the spread of the Delta variant, has some officials worried. The vast majority of people testing positive for Covid-19, some of whom must be hospitalized, have not been vaccinated.

Mandatory indoor mask use returns to Los Angeles

<p>A few months ago, India was battling a deadly second wave of coronavirus and locals were struggling to get access to oxygen. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, then, urged his ‘little friends’ to request the grown-ups to follow Covid restrictions.</p>

<p>However, now, as the cases started declining, people seem to have forgotten the importance of following Covid protocols with several flocking to hill stations for 'vacation'.</p>

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<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dextrodiwas-indias-pm-modi-tweets-birthday-wishes-for-a-citizen-396245" hreflang="en">DextroDiwas: India's PM Modi tweets birthday wishes for a citizen</a></strong></p>

<p>In one such incident, a small child in Himachal Pradesh’s Dharmshala was spotted asking tourists to wear masks.</p>

<p>In a short, cute video posted on ‘dharamshalalocal’ Instagram page, a little kid dressed in an off-white shirt can be seen standing in a tight street outside shops. With a plastic stick in hand, he questions people ‘where is your mask?’.</p>

<p>The video highlights the rising issue of India’s population not adhering to the Covid protocols set up by the medical experts. The Government of India has strictly instructed people to not step outdoors unless important, follow social distancing and at all times wear masks when stepping outdoors.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-first-mangoes-black-rice-bottle-gourd-from-varanasi-make-it-to-global-markets-despite-covid-19-396189" hreflang="en">In a first, mangoes, black rice, bottle gourd from Varanasi make it to global markets despite COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>However, locals have been visiting hill stations for vacations and have often been spotted ignoring social distancing rules and without face masks.</p>

<p>Social media users have called this a "slap on all of us who relate awareness to those who are well-off," a Twitter user said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A slap on all of us who relate awareness to those who are well-off</p>
— Abhilash Mahajan (@MahajanAbhilash) <a href="https://twitter.com/MahajanAbhilash/status/1412390117256286212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Thanking the kid for her social service, many users commented ‘God bless this kid’ and laughed about calling him to their own cities to spread this awareness.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">God bless this kid! Again proved that doing right requires the wisdom, age doesnt matter as so many elderly fools can be seen around.</p>
— Amit Dave (@amittheway) <a href="https://twitter.com/amittheway/status/1412323612061683714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He is small, poor family that may not afford send him to school. He is far more conscious in telling educated people wear mask. Instead of appreciation some seen ignoring or neglecting him for a begger. Wish this boy could be helped?<a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaykunduIPS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sanjaykunduIPS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jairamthakurbjp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jairamthakurbjp</a></p>
— 🇮🇳 BN Sharma, IG (Retd) (@BholaNath_BSF) <a href="https://twitter.com/BholaNath_BSF/status/1412379641659019267?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This child is so good<br />
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I wish he is taken care for education</p>
— Sandeep (@IndiaUnleashed_) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaUnleashed_/status/1412335892027510787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bless the little one... such amazing sense of responsibility and leadership quality at such a young age ❤<br />
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If only all adults follow...</p>
— Meghna Girish 🇮🇳 (@megirish2001) <a href="https://twitter.com/megirish2001/status/1412391786127839236?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A few months ago, India was battling a deadly second wave of coronavirus and locals were struggling to get access to oxygen. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, then, urged his ‘little friends’ to request the grown-ups to follow Covid restrictions.

A few months ago, India was battling a deadly second wave of coronavirus and locals were struggling to get access to oxygen. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, then, urged his ‘little friends’ to request the grown-ups to follow Covid restrictions. However, now, as the cases started declining, people seem to have forgotten the importance of following Covid protocols with several flocking to hill stations for 'vacation'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dharamshala Triund Mcleodganj™ (@dharamshalalocal) × Also read | DextroDiwas: India's PM Modi tweets birthday wishes for a citizen In one such incident, a small child in Himachal Pradesh’s Dharmshala was spotted asking tourists to wear masks. In a short, cute video posted on ‘dharamshalalocal’ Instagram page, a little kid dressed in an off-white shirt can be seen standing in a tight street outside shops. With a plastic stick in hand, he questions people ‘where is your mask?’. The video highlights the rising issue of India’s population not adhering to the Covid protocols set up by the medical experts. The Government of India has strictly instructed people to not step outdoors unless important, follow social distancing and at all times wear masks when stepping outdoors. Also read | In a first, mangoes, black rice, bottle gourd from Varanasi make it to global markets despite COVID-19 However, locals have been visiting hill stations for vacations and have often been spotted ignoring social distancing rules and without face masks. Social media users have called this a "slap on all of us who relate awareness to those who are well-off," a Twitter user said. A slap on all of us who relate awareness to those who are well-off — Abhilash Mahajan (@MahajanAbhilash) July 6, 2021 × Thanking the kid for her social service, many users commented ‘God bless this kid’ and laughed about calling him to their own cities to spread this awareness. God bless this kid! Again proved that doing right requires the wisdom, age doesnt matter as so many elderly fools can be seen around. — Amit Dave (@amittheway) July 6, 2021 × He is small, poor family that may not afford send him to school. He is far more conscious in telling educated people wear mask. Instead of appreciation some seen ignoring or neglecting him for a begger. Wish this boy could be helped?@sanjaykunduIPS @jairamthakurbjp — 🇮🇳 BN Sharma, IG (Retd) (@BholaNath_BSF) July 6, 2021 × This child is so good I wish he is taken care for education — Sandeep (@IndiaUnleashed_) July 6, 2021 × Bless the little one... such amazing sense of responsibility and leadership quality at such a young age ❤ If only all adults follow... — Meghna Girish 🇮🇳 (@megirish2001) July 6, 2021 ×

'Where's your mask?': Small kid urges people to follow Covid protocol in India

<p>Australia's deputy prime minister was fined for failing to wear a mask in a service station in violation of COVID-19 prevention orders, the authorities said on Tuesday, the country's most powerful person to face repercussions for non-compliance.<br />
<br />
Barnaby Joyce, who returned as leader of the Nationals coalition partner a week earlier, was spotted by a member of the public paying for fuel without a mask in his electorate about 500 km (310 miles) north of Sydney on Monday, the police said.<br />
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The person called Crime Stoppers, an emergency hotline, and officers went to the service station where "inquiries revealed a 54-year-old man was not wearing a face mask while in the store", New South Wales state police said in a statement.<br />
<br />
Joyce, who was not identified in the police statement, was fined A$200 ($151) for breaching a public health order by not wearing a 'fitted face covering when in indoor area of retail/business premises'.<br />
<br />
A spokesman for Joyce was not immediately available for comment, but the outspoken country member confirmed the incident in an interview on Monday with News Corp-owned cable broadcaster Sky News.<br />
<br />
He said he was on his way to the airport, realised he had forgotten to buy fuel for his partner, "fuelled the car up with fuel, went in, 30 seconds later $200 it cost me because I didn't wear one of these (a mask)," he told the broadcaster, according to a report in News Corp newspapers.<br />
<br />
"That's life," Joyce added.<br />
<br />
The fine adds to a list of powerful public figures, who have received fines for breaching virus containment rules.<br />
<br />
In April 2020, the New South Wales arts minister resigned after being fined A$1000 for breaching stay-home orders in the initial days of the country's anti-coronavirus response.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Australia's deputy prime minister was fined for failing to wear a mask in a service station in violation of COVID-19 prevention orders, the authorities said on Tuesday, the country's most powerful person to face repercussions for non-compliance.

Australia's deputy prime minister was fined for failing to wear a mask in a service station in violation of COVID-19 prevention orders, the authorities said on Tuesday, the country's most powerful person to face repercussions for non-compliance. Barnaby Joyce, who returned as leader of the Nationals coalition partner a week earlier, was spotted by a member of the public paying for fuel without a mask in his electorate about 500 km (310 miles) north of Sydney on Monday, the police said. The person called Crime Stoppers, an emergency hotline, and officers went to the service station where "inquiries revealed a 54-year-old man was not wearing a face mask while in the store", New South Wales state police said in a statement. Joyce, who was not identified in the police statement, was fined A$200 ($151) for breaching a public health order by not wearing a 'fitted face covering when in indoor area of retail/business premises'. A spokesman for Joyce was not immediately available for comment, but the outspoken country member confirmed the incident in an interview on Monday with News Corp-owned cable broadcaster Sky News. He said he was on his way to the airport, realised he had forgotten to buy fuel for his partner, "fuelled the car up with fuel, went in, 30 seconds later $200 it cost me because I didn't wear one of these (a mask)," he told the broadcaster, according to a report in News Corp newspapers. "That's life," Joyce added. The fine adds to a list of powerful public figures, who have received fines for breaching virus containment rules. In April 2020, the New South Wales arts minister resigned after being fined A$1000 for breaching stay-home orders in the initial days of the country's anti-coronavirus response. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia deputy PM fined for not wearing mask in breach of COVID-19 rules

<p>Kids at summer camps can skip wearing masks outdoors, with some exceptions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention posted the guidance on Friday. Children, who aren't fully vaccinated should still wear masks outside when they're in crowds or in sustained close contact with others and when they are inside.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But fully vaccinated kids need not wear masks, indoors or outside. It's the first in a wave of guidance updates that seek to incorporate recent CDC decisions to tell Americans they don't have to be as cautious about using masks and social distancing outdoors. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, masks are no longer required at the three main movie theatre chains in the United States for people, who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to updated guidelines on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>AMC Entertainment, Cinemark and Regal Cinemas said on their websites that moviegoers who are not fully vaccinated will be asked to continue wearing masks and that other social-distancing measures and cleaning protocols will remain in place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In accordance with CDC guidelines, masks are not required for guests who are fully vaccinated," AMC said on its website, referring to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "If you are not fully vaccinated, we ask that you continue to wear a mask throughout the theater unless actively enjoying food or drinks."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similar updates to mask policy were made on Regal and Cinemark websites. All three chains said they would follow state and local mandates on mask-wearing, which may be different from the CDC guidelines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The changes for movie theatres come two weeks after the CDC said that fully vaccinated people need not wear masks in any setting. Movie-going has begun ramping up in the United States after lengthy pandemic-related closures and a lack of new film releases.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Kids at summer camps can skip wearing masks outdoors, with some exceptions. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention posted the guidance on Friday. Children, who aren't fully vaccinated should still wear masks outside when they're in crowds or in sustained close contact with others and when they are inside.

Kids at summer camps can skip wearing masks outdoors, with some exceptions. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention posted the guidance on Friday. Children, who aren't fully vaccinated should still wear masks outside when they're in crowds or in sustained close contact with others and when they are inside. But fully vaccinated kids need not wear masks, indoors or outside. It's the first in a wave of guidance updates that seek to incorporate recent CDC decisions to tell Americans they don't have to be as cautious about using masks and social distancing outdoors. Meanwhile, masks are no longer required at the three main movie theatre chains in the United States for people, who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to updated guidelines on Friday. AMC Entertainment, Cinemark and Regal Cinemas said on their websites that moviegoers who are not fully vaccinated will be asked to continue wearing masks and that other social-distancing measures and cleaning protocols will remain in place. "In accordance with CDC guidelines, masks are not required for guests who are fully vaccinated," AMC said on its website, referring to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "If you are not fully vaccinated, we ask that you continue to wear a mask throughout the theater unless actively enjoying food or drinks." Similar updates to mask policy were made on Regal and Cinemark websites. All three chains said they would follow state and local mandates on mask-wearing, which may be different from the CDC guidelines. The changes for movie theatres come two weeks after the CDC said that fully vaccinated people need not wear masks in any setting. Movie-going has begun ramping up in the United States after lengthy pandemic-related closures and a lack of new film releases. (With inputs from agencies)

CDC loosens mask guidance for summer campers 

<p>A cafe-owner is charging $5 extra from customers who show up to the cafe wearing masks as he believes these customers should pay for the "damage they have collectively caused".</p>

<p>Chris Castleman, the owner of Fiddlehead Cafe in Mendocino in California feels an extra charge of $5 should not hurt the people wearing masks as they care for the betterment of the society and the collected money from this charge of $5 will be donated to a charity.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/spreads-through-air-vietnam-reports-new-variant-of-coronavirus-388243" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/spreads-through-air-vietnam-reports-new-variant-of-coronavirus-388243&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjUvOWbt_HwAhX-7XMBHbQ4A2wQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw001zMHsJq7lywHDatsf1E3" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spreads-through-air-vietnam-reports-new-variant-of-coronavirus-388243" target="_blank">'Spreads through air': Vietnam reports new variant of&nbsp;coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p>Castleman feels the compulsory mask-wearing is a part of the government's "ineffective" measures and has contributed to the "collateral damage".</p>

<p>"I don't think $5 to charity is too much to ask from mask-wearing customers who claim to care so much about the community they live in," Castleman said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/backlash-against-us-shop-selling-yellow-star-covid-badges-388372" hreflang="en">Backlash against US shop selling 'yellow star' Covid badges</a></strong></p>

<p>His frustration comes after his business was shut down last year due to repeated lockdowns imposed to control the spread of the deadly virus in the state.</p>

<p>Personally, Castleman is not in favour of wearing face masks and he revealed that the majority of his customer base is also aligned with his thoughts.</p>

<p>However, he also clarified that has not been forcing the extra money on his mask-wearing customers, but he still feels it should not be problematic for people who want to do better for their society.</p>

<p>"I give them the freedom of choice, which seems to be a foreign concept in these parts of the country," he said.</p>


A cafe-owner is charging $5 extra from customers who show up to the cafe wearing masks as he believes these customers should pay for the "damage they have collectively caused".

A cafe-owner is charging $5 extra from customers who show up to the cafe wearing masks as he believes these customers should pay for the "damage they have collectively caused". Chris Castleman, the owner of Fiddlehead Cafe in Mendocino in California feels an extra charge of $5 should not hurt the people wearing masks as they care for the betterment of the society and the collected money from this charge of $5 will be donated to a charity. Also read | 'Spreads through air': Vietnam reports new variant of coronavirus Castleman feels the compulsory mask-wearing is a part of the government's "ineffective" measures and has contributed to the "collateral damage". "I don't think $5 to charity is too much to ask from mask-wearing customers who claim to care so much about the community they live in," Castleman said. Also read | Backlash against US shop selling 'yellow star' Covid badges His frustration comes after his business was shut down last year due to repeated lockdowns imposed to control the spread of the deadly virus in the state. Personally, Castleman is not in favour of wearing face masks and he revealed that the majority of his customer base is also aligned with his thoughts. However, he also clarified that has not been forcing the extra money on his mask-wearing customers, but he still feels it should not be problematic for people who want to do better for their society. "I give them the freedom of choice, which seems to be a foreign concept in these parts of the country," he said.

'Collateral damage': Cafe charges extra $5 from people wearing masks

A video of Provenzano went viral this week after his speech during the meeting last week called the district's mandate unfair to children.

Fourth grader who spoke out against school mask mandate

<p>While India struggles to <strong>shake off the virus</strong>, the developed world is taking off the masks. <strong>Locals of the US</strong> can, now, ditch the mask at most places if they have taken both the shots of a vaccine and the United Kingdom has brought in new rules for hugging.</p>

<p>Americans can take off their masks while walking on the streets, inside restaurants, offices and most public places. They don't need a mask<strong> if they are fully vaccinated.</strong></p>

<p>Joe Biden was quick to follow the new advice from experts. Soon after they made the announcement, the US President appeared for a press conference at the White House with Vice President Kamala Harris without a mask. Some reporters were spotted without a mask too, but the rest of America is still cautious and everyone is not taking off the mask yet.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-these-countries-are-taking-off-the-mask-385134"><strong>Watch |</strong></a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-these-countries-are-taking-off-the-mask-385134/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>America's Centre for Disease Control (CDC) says people can stop wearing a mask in most public places but they still need to have one on if they are on a plane, in airports, trains, transit hubs and places like hospitals and doctor's offices.</p>

<p>The US is not the only country that's ditching the mask. Several countries in the developed world are easing their rules.</p>

<p>In Australia, citizens can leave the mask behind for most public places where physical distancing is possible. In neighbouring New Zealand, people need to wear the mask at just two locations: public transport and flights. Israel, too, offers the option of roaming around without a mask.</p>

<p>The UK has asked its citizens to keep the mask on at crowded locations, but human contact is allowed. In fact, Britain has new hugging rules that state you can hug a loved one, but conditions apply and the government calls it "a cautious hug". Hugs must be done outdoors, without face-to-face contact and it shouldn't last very long. In addition to this, if you are hugging someone who is not vaccinated, then you need to keep your mask on while doing it.</p>

<p>British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who famously shook hands at the beginning of the pandemic, got infected and landed in an ICU but he now has advice on hugging.</p>

<p>"If you're fully vaccinated and can take your mask off, you've earned the right to do something that Americans are known for all around the world, greeting others with a smile,” Joe Biden said.</p>

<p>“This doesn't mean we can suddenly throw caution to the winds. In fact, more than a year into this pandemic, we all know that close contact such as hugging, is a direct way of transmitting this disease. So I urge you to think about the vulnerability of your loved ones, whether they've had a vaccine, one or two doses, and whether there has been time for that vaccine to take effect. "</p>

<p>Whether it is the US or the UK, rules to ditch the mask remain the same. Virus containment and vaccination with their massive vaccine stockpiles and aggressive inoculation efforts, countries in the West have found the exit from this pandemic.</p>


While India struggles to shake off the virus, the developed world is taking off the masks. Locals of the US can, now, ditch the mask at most places if they have taken both the shots of a vaccine and the United Kingdom has brought in new rules for hugging.

While India struggles to shake off the virus, the developed world is taking off the masks. Locals of the US can, now, ditch the mask at most places if they have taken both the shots of a vaccine and the United Kingdom has brought in new rules for hugging. Americans can take off their masks while walking on the streets, inside restaurants, offices and most public places. They don't need a mask if they are fully vaccinated. Joe Biden was quick to follow the new advice from experts. Soon after they made the announcement, the US President appeared for a press conference at the White House with Vice President Kamala Harris without a mask. Some reporters were spotted without a mask too, but the rest of America is still cautious and everyone is not taking off the mask yet. Watch | America's Centre for Disease Control (CDC) says people can stop wearing a mask in most public places but they still need to have one on if they are on a plane, in airports, trains, transit hubs and places like hospitals and doctor's offices. The US is not the only country that's ditching the mask. Several countries in the developed world are easing their rules. In Australia, citizens can leave the mask behind for most public places where physical distancing is possible. In neighbouring New Zealand, people need to wear the mask at just two locations: public transport and flights. Israel, too, offers the option of roaming around without a mask. The UK has asked its citizens to keep the mask on at crowded locations, but human contact is allowed. In fact, Britain has new hugging rules that state you can hug a loved one, but conditions apply and the government calls it "a cautious hug". Hugs must be done outdoors, without face-to-face contact and it shouldn't last very long. In addition to this, if you are hugging someone who is not vaccinated, then you need to keep your mask on while doing it. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who famously shook hands at the beginning of the pandemic, got infected and landed in an ICU but he now has advice on hugging. "If you're fully vaccinated and can take your mask off, you've earned the right to do something that Americans are known for all around the world, greeting others with a smile,” Joe Biden said. “This doesn't mean we can suddenly throw caution to the winds. In fact, more than a year into this pandemic, we all know that close contact such as hugging, is a direct way of transmitting this disease. So I urge you to think about the vulnerability of your loved ones, whether they've had a vaccine, one or two doses, and whether there has been time for that vaccine to take effect. " Whether it is the US or the UK, rules to ditch the mask remain the same. Virus containment and vaccination with their massive vaccine stockpiles and aggressive inoculation efforts, countries in the West have found the exit from this pandemic.

Mask free and hugs: How the West is rushing towards exit from pandemic lockdowns

The developed world is ditching the mask. In the US, fully vaccinated citizens can stop wearing the mask in most places. While the UK has come up with new rules for hugging. Palki Sharma tell you more.

Gravitas: These countries are taking off the mask

<p>Jill Biden says finally going mask-free feels like 'we're moving forward’. A Republican senator says going unmasked 'certainly helps the flow of conversation’. &nbsp;</p>

<p>But the conversation on the House floor on Friday approached sniping as lawmakers objected to being required to keep masking up until all 435 of them get their COVID-19 shots.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Across Washington, the government is adjusting to new federal guidance easing up on when masks should be worn.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So much for following the science," Rep Greg Murphy, R-NC, a urologist, said after complaining that he'd have to put his mask back on after his House floor speech despite being fully vaccinated. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that fully vaccinated people ‘those who are two weeks past their last required dose of a COVID-19 vaccine’ can stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings. Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated people should keep wearing masks, the guidance says. &nbsp;</p>

<p>But on Capitol Hill, lawmakers have to keep wearing masks on the House floor, according to a memo from the Office of the Attending Physician, Dr Brian Monahan. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"The present mask requirement and other guidelines remain unchanged until all Members and Floor staff are fully vaccinated," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a memo to her Democratic colleagues. “Returning the Capitol to the welcoming and safe venue that it has been requires us to not only secure it physically but to make it safe from the virus." Recent surveys suggest that about 1 in 4 House lawmakers are not fully vaccinated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lawmakers can remove their masks while on the House floor to make speeches, but must mask up after they finish. They are, however, free to resume 'pre-pandemic activities' elsewhere in the House complex of office buildings and public spaces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Senate, Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Joni Ernst of Iowa were among senators, who didn't hesitate to remove their masks as soon as they heard the news. They were seen entering the Senate chamber on Thursday marveling at being mask-free and calling out, 'Freedom!'&nbsp;</p>

<p>Senate leadership has not commented on the updated mask guidance, which came down as Biden and a group of Republican senators discussed infrastructure in the Oval Office.&nbsp;</p>


Jill Biden says finally going mask-free feels like 'we're moving forward’. A Republican senator says going unmasked 'certainly helps the flow of conversation’. But the conversation on the House floor on Friday approached sniping as lawmakers objected to being required to keep masking up until all 435 of them get their COVID-19 shots.

Jill Biden says finally going mask-free feels like 'we're moving forward’. A Republican senator says going unmasked 'certainly helps the flow of conversation’. But the conversation on the House floor on Friday approached sniping as lawmakers objected to being required to keep masking up until all 435 of them get their COVID-19 shots. Across Washington, the government is adjusting to new federal guidance easing up on when masks should be worn. "So much for following the science," Rep Greg Murphy, R-NC, a urologist, said after complaining that he'd have to put his mask back on after his House floor speech despite being fully vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that fully vaccinated people ‘those who are two weeks past their last required dose of a COVID-19 vaccine’ can stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings. Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated people should keep wearing masks, the guidance says. But on Capitol Hill, lawmakers have to keep wearing masks on the House floor, according to a memo from the Office of the Attending Physician, Dr Brian Monahan. "The present mask requirement and other guidelines remain unchanged until all Members and Floor staff are fully vaccinated," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a memo to her Democratic colleagues. “Returning the Capitol to the welcoming and safe venue that it has been requires us to not only secure it physically but to make it safe from the virus." Recent surveys suggest that about 1 in 4 House lawmakers are not fully vaccinated. Lawmakers can remove their masks while on the House floor to make speeches, but must mask up after they finish. They are, however, free to resume 'pre-pandemic activities' elsewhere in the House complex of office buildings and public spaces. In the Senate, Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Joni Ernst of Iowa were among senators, who didn't hesitate to remove their masks as soon as they heard the news. They were seen entering the Senate chamber on Thursday marveling at being mask-free and calling out, 'Freedom!' Senate leadership has not commented on the updated mask guidance, which came down as Biden and a group of Republican senators discussed infrastructure in the Oval Office.

Let's face it: Washington adjusts to new mask guidance 

In Sri Lanka, you can be literally lifted off the road and prosecuted for not wearing a mask. In the Philippines, you can be arrested for not wearing your mask properly. WION’s Palki Sharma tells you how countries are cracking down on mask violators.

Gravitas: Mask Police 'lift' people in Sri Lanka

<p>A US-based YouTuber and a Russian influencer were ordered off Indonesia's resort island of Bali on Friday after recording themselves defying mandatory mask-wearing with some imaginative makeup.</p>

<p>Clips of the video created by Josh Paler Lin and Leia Se and posted two weeks ago show the two duping supermarket guards with a painted surgical mask after they were refused entry because Se was unmasked.</p>

<p>"Did you notice like no one's actually looking at you" Lin exclaimed. "I can't believe it worked,"&nbsp;he said in the video that appears to have been taken down from his social media accounts but has since been reposted elsewhere.</p>

<p>Lin is a Taiwanese passport holder whose YouTube channel specializes in prank videos and is followed by 3.4 million fans. Se has over 25,000 Instagram followers.</p>

<p>Although first-time violators of Bali's mask-wearing rule face fines of 1 million rupiahs (USD 70) for foreigners and deportation after a second offence, the police wanted them removed from the island immediately.</p>

<p>"It's only proper to sanction them more severely, not just with a fine but also deportation,"&nbsp;said Bali's civil service police unit head Dewa Nyoman Rai Dharmadi. "They are not only violating, but deliberately provoking in public to defy health guidelines."</p>

<p>The pair had shown remorse and apologised through Lin's Instagram video.</p>

<p>"I made this video to entertain people because I'm a content creator and it's my job to entertain people,"&nbsp;Lin said, "However, I did not realise that what I did could actually bring a lot of negative comments,"&nbsp;he said, advising people to always wear masks and invite everyone to help Bali regain its tourism.</p>

<p>Jamaruli Manihuruk, who heads the Bali regional office for the Justice and Human Rights Ministry, said that Lin and Se to be deported as soon as possible after they are tested for COVID-19.</p>

<p>"Foreigners who don't respect the laws and regulations in Indonesia are facing deportation sanctions,"&nbsp;Manihuruk said. He said Lin and Se will be placed in a detention cell at the immigration office while waiting for their flight.</p>

<p>In January, authorities in Bali deported Sergei Kosenko, a Russian social media celebrity, after he posted a video of himself driving a motorcycle with a female passenger on the back off a pier and into the sea. The stunt was condemned by many Indonesians as reckless and potentially hazardous to the environment.</p>


A US-based YouTuber and a Russian influencer were ordered off Indonesia's resort island of Bali on Friday after recording themselves defying mandatory mask-wearing with some imaginative makeup.

A US-based YouTuber and a Russian influencer were ordered off Indonesia's resort island of Bali on Friday after recording themselves defying mandatory mask-wearing with some imaginative makeup. Clips of the video created by Josh Paler Lin and Leia Se and posted two weeks ago show the two duping supermarket guards with a painted surgical mask after they were refused entry because Se was unmasked. "Did you notice like no one's actually looking at you" Lin exclaimed. "I can't believe it worked," he said in the video that appears to have been taken down from his social media accounts but has since been reposted elsewhere. Lin is a Taiwanese passport holder whose YouTube channel specializes in prank videos and is followed by 3.4 million fans. Se has over 25,000 Instagram followers. Although first-time violators of Bali's mask-wearing rule face fines of 1 million rupiahs (USD 70) for foreigners and deportation after a second offence, the police wanted them removed from the island immediately. "It's only proper to sanction them more severely, not just with a fine but also deportation," said Bali's civil service police unit head Dewa Nyoman Rai Dharmadi. "They are not only violating, but deliberately provoking in public to defy health guidelines." The pair had shown remorse and apologised through Lin's Instagram video. "I made this video to entertain people because I'm a content creator and it's my job to entertain people," Lin said, "However, I did not realise that what I did could actually bring a lot of negative comments," he said, advising people to always wear masks and invite everyone to help Bali regain its tourism. Jamaruli Manihuruk, who heads the Bali regional office for the Justice and Human Rights Ministry, said that Lin and Se to be deported as soon as possible after they are tested for COVID-19. "Foreigners who don't respect the laws and regulations in Indonesia are facing deportation sanctions," Manihuruk said. He said Lin and Se will be placed in a detention cell at the immigration office while waiting for their flight. In January, authorities in Bali deported Sergei Kosenko, a Russian social media celebrity, after he posted a video of himself driving a motorcycle with a female passenger on the back off a pier and into the sea. The stunt was condemned by many Indonesians as reckless and potentially hazardous to the environment.

Two influencers ordered off Bali after fake mask video prank

<p>As a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic rips through the country, the government on Monday said it is time people start wearing masks inside their homes as well, and refrain from inviting guests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing a press conference, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul said if there is a COVID-positive person inside the house, he or she must wear the mask so as to prevent other family members from getting infected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Rather, I'll say that the time has come that we start wearing masks even otherwise inside our homes. We used to talk about wearing it outside homes, but the way, the infection has spread, it will be better if we wear mask inside our homes if we are sitting with someone," he said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"But, definitely, if there is a COVID-19 positive person, that person must wear the mask and others inside the house also must wear a mask and the positive person should be kept in a different room," Paul underlined.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that people should also avoid stepping out of their home unnecessarily and not invite guests at home. &nbsp;</p>

<p>He also suggested if the house lacks such facilities for isolation, then people may go to isolation centres, known as corona care centres.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Getting admitted to a hospital is not the only option, Paul said. "Hospital beds are used for the needy people."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Highlighting the importance of vaccination, Paul said, "We cannot let the pace of COVID-19 vaccination decline or slacken in the face of the emerging situation. In fact, it should be escalated and with that intent the government of India brought a revised (vaccination) policy. We believe and are confident that will bring in more acceleration," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


As a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic rips through the country, the government on Monday said it is time people start wearing masks inside their homes as well, and refrain from inviting guests.

As a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic rips through the country, the government on Monday said it is time people start wearing masks inside their homes as well, and refrain from inviting guests. Addressing a press conference, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul said if there is a COVID-positive person inside the house, he or she must wear the mask so as to prevent other family members from getting infected. "Rather, I'll say that the time has come that we start wearing masks even otherwise inside our homes. We used to talk about wearing it outside homes, but the way, the infection has spread, it will be better if we wear mask inside our homes if we are sitting with someone," he said. "But, definitely, if there is a COVID-19 positive person, that person must wear the mask and others inside the house also must wear a mask and the positive person should be kept in a different room," Paul underlined. He added that people should also avoid stepping out of their home unnecessarily and not invite guests at home. He also suggested if the house lacks such facilities for isolation, then people may go to isolation centres, known as corona care centres. Getting admitted to a hospital is not the only option, Paul said. "Hospital beds are used for the needy people." Highlighting the importance of vaccination, Paul said, "We cannot let the pace of COVID-19 vaccination decline or slacken in the face of the emerging situation. In fact, it should be escalated and with that intent the government of India brought a revised (vaccination) policy. We believe and are confident that will bring in more acceleration," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Mask up even inside homes: Govt tells citizens amid surge in COVID-19 cases

<p>Tired of using masks that fog up your glasses, irritate skin? Now you can design "the next generation of masks" that is low on cost, comfortable to wear and safe against Covid-19 pathogens, and also win $500,000.<br />
<br />
The competition -- Mask Innovation Challenge -- has been announced by the US government`s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). It is open only for participants from the US.<br />
<br />
While public health agencies worldwide are encouraging people to wear masks to curb the spread of infectious Covid-19, prolonged wearing increases issues such as skin allergy, physical discomfort and difficulty in communicating.<br />
<br />
The new challenge aims to develop cheap, innovative and effective designs masks that can provide comfort, utility, and also has protective abilities against respiratory disease pathogens, according to a statement on BARDA website.<br />
<br />
Furthermore, people should be able to put them on and wear them without extensive fitting procedures or complicated user instructions, it added.<br />
<br />
The challenge is divided into two phases: Design and Proof-of-concept.<br />
<br />
The Design phase is further divided into two: one which focuses on improving already existing designs for masks and the second is to incorporate new technologies and materials in mask designs.<br />
<br />
Phase one will have up to 10 winners, who will receive $10,000 each. The last date to submit designs for phase one is April 21, 2021.<br />
<br />
For the second phase, participants require to develop masks based on hypothetical scenario. After lab tests by NIOSH, $400,000 will be divided among five winners. Further details will be updated later, the statement said.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As the Covid-19 cases spread worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) advised to use face masks, in public where social distancing is not possible. The infectious disease has affected 131 million and claimed 2.85 million lives globally.</p>


Tired of using masks that fog up your glasses, irritate skin? Now you can design "the next generation of masks" that is low on cost, comfortable to wear and safe against Covid-19 pathogens, and also win $500,000.

Tired of using masks that fog up your glasses, irritate skin? Now you can design "the next generation of masks" that is low on cost, comfortable to wear and safe against Covid-19 pathogens, and also win $500,000. The competition -- Mask Innovation Challenge -- has been announced by the US government`s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). It is open only for participants from the US. While public health agencies worldwide are encouraging people to wear masks to curb the spread of infectious Covid-19, prolonged wearing increases issues such as skin allergy, physical discomfort and difficulty in communicating. The new challenge aims to develop cheap, innovative and effective designs masks that can provide comfort, utility, and also has protective abilities against respiratory disease pathogens, according to a statement on BARDA website. Furthermore, people should be able to put them on and wear them without extensive fitting procedures or complicated user instructions, it added. The challenge is divided into two phases: Design and Proof-of-concept. The Design phase is further divided into two: one which focuses on improving already existing designs for masks and the second is to incorporate new technologies and materials in mask designs. Phase one will have up to 10 winners, who will receive $10,000 each. The last date to submit designs for phase one is April 21, 2021. For the second phase, participants require to develop masks based on hypothetical scenario. After lab tests by NIOSH, $400,000 will be divided among five winners. Further details will be updated later, the statement said. As the Covid-19 cases spread worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) advised to use face masks, in public where social distancing is not possible. The infectious disease has affected 131 million and claimed 2.85 million lives globally.

Design a cheap, innovative face mask and win up to $500,000

<p>Maram al-Amawi, an 8-year-old girl in Gaza has been given a 3D-printed face mask in order to help her recovery from severe burns she received in a fire about a year ago. However, for the treatment to work, she has to wear it eight hours a day.</p>

<p>Eight-year-old Maram was severely burned a year ago in the Palestinian refugee camp of Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip.</p>

<p>The inferno, which local authorities said was caused by a gas leak, left 25 dead and dozens injured, and ravaged several shops.</p>

<p>Today, she and her mother, who was also seriously injured on the face and hands, wear transparent plastic masks developed by medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF).</p>

<p>The mask puts pressure on the face and speeds up the healing process. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) provided the mask.</p>

<p>To make this mask, the patient's face is copied using 3D scanner. This later allows printing of a customised plastic masks</p>

<p>The fitted mask, with adjustable straps to hold onto the face, has to be worn for between six months and a year, depending on the severity of the lesions.</p>

<p><strong>'Family refused to look'</strong></p>

<p>Even though her mask is transparent and fits perfectly with the contours of her soft face, Maram is afraid of being pointed at in the playground.</p>

<p>"The mask has made my burns better, but I'm afraid people will laugh at me if I wear it outside the house," the girl shyly confesses, dressed in the black-and-white striped lace uniform of her school, which is run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.</p>

<p>"I put it on as soon as I get home from classes."</p>

<p>In fact, she wears it eight hours a day.</p>

<p>As for her mother Izdihar al-Amawi, 31, she keeps her mask on for 16 hours, only removing it during the day to eat.</p>

<p>At night, she wears another mask, and she also has special gloves for burns on her hands.</p>

<p>"Our wounds have improved thanks to the mask," says Izdihar, who now manages to go about household chores like before the accident.</p>

<p>"We were waiting for the taxi after shopping and we suddenly heard a big explosion, then saw fire everywhere," she recalls.</p>

<p>Izdihar and Maram spent two months in hospital undergoing operations.</p>

<p>Accepting their disfigured complexions was not easy.</p>

<p>"My family refused to look at my face after the accident," says Izdihar.</p>

<p>"I only saw my face 50 days after the operation, in the elevator mirror while going to get my mask at the clinic."</p>

<p>The mother of four hopes the scars will disappear "in two or three years, as the doctors told us."</p>


Maram al-Amawi, an 8-year-old girl in Gaza has been given a 3D-printed face mask in order to help her recovery from severe burns she received in a fire about a year ago.

Maram al-Amawi, an 8-year-old girl in Gaza has been given a 3D-printed face mask in order to help her recovery from severe burns she received in a fire about a year ago. However, for the treatment to work, she has to wear it eight hours a day. Eight-year-old Maram was severely burned a year ago in the Palestinian refugee camp of Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip. The inferno, which local authorities said was caused by a gas leak, left 25 dead and dozens injured, and ravaged several shops. Today, she and her mother, who was also seriously injured on the face and hands, wear transparent plastic masks developed by medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF). The mask puts pressure on the face and speeds up the healing process. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) provided the mask. To make this mask, the patient's face is copied using 3D scanner. This later allows printing of a customised plastic masks The fitted mask, with adjustable straps to hold onto the face, has to be worn for between six months and a year, depending on the severity of the lesions. 'Family refused to look' Even though her mask is transparent and fits perfectly with the contours of her soft face, Maram is afraid of being pointed at in the playground. "The mask has made my burns better, but I'm afraid people will laugh at me if I wear it outside the house," the girl shyly confesses, dressed in the black-and-white striped lace uniform of her school, which is run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. "I put it on as soon as I get home from classes." In fact, she wears it eight hours a day. As for her mother Izdihar al-Amawi, 31, she keeps her mask on for 16 hours, only removing it during the day to eat. At night, she wears another mask, and she also has special gloves for burns on her hands. "Our wounds have improved thanks to the mask," says Izdihar, who now manages to go about household chores like before the accident. "We were waiting for the taxi after shopping and we suddenly heard a big explosion, then saw fire everywhere," she recalls. Izdihar and Maram spent two months in hospital undergoing operations. Accepting their disfigured complexions was not easy. "My family refused to look at my face after the accident," says Izdihar. "I only saw my face 50 days after the operation, in the elevator mirror while going to get my mask at the clinic." The mother of four hopes the scars will disappear "in two or three years, as the doctors told us."

8-year-old girl in Gaza wears 3D printed mask to heal severe burns

<p>Delhi state government on Friday issued a notification on Friday that hiked the fine amount for not wearing a mask in public places. Now, person found violating government directions will be fined Rs 2000. The fine will also be slapped if a person is found spitting or chewing tobacco in public places, not following quarantine norms and not maintaining social distancing.</p>

<p>The notification was issued by the health department following Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal's approval.</p>

<p>The national capital has witnessed a spurt in coronavirus cases since October 28, when the daily rise breached the 5,000-mark for the first time, and it crossed the 8,000-mark on November 11.</p>

<p>Previuosly, the fine amount for violations was Rs 500.</p>

<p>Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced the hike on Thursday but officials issued challans for Rs 500 saying that they had not received the notification.</p>

<p>"We have not received any written notification in this regard yet and so we have continued to issue challan of Rs 500 for those found not wearing masks," said a senior police officer.</p>

<p>Data shared by the Delhi Police showed that a total of 2,507 challans were issued for various violations under COVID-19 guidelines, till 4 pm on Friday. On Friday, over 2,000 challans were issued to people not wearing masks, police officials said.</p>

<p>District teams also imposed the previous fine of Rs 500 on those not wearing masks, saying no notification of the Delhi government has been received by them.</p>

<p>"It is legally not feasible to change the amount of a fine in the absence of a proper government order or notification," said a district official.</p>

<p><strong>(With PTI inputs)</strong></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Delhi state government on Friday issued a notification on Friday that hiked the fine amount for not wearing a mask in public places. Now, person found violating government directions will be fined Rs 2000.

Delhi state government on Friday issued a notification on Friday that hiked the fine amount for not wearing a mask in public places. Now, person found violating government directions will be fined Rs 2000. The fine will also be slapped if a person is found spitting or chewing tobacco in public places, not following quarantine norms and not maintaining social distancing. The notification was issued by the health department following Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal's approval. The national capital has witnessed a spurt in coronavirus cases since October 28, when the daily rise breached the 5,000-mark for the first time, and it crossed the 8,000-mark on November 11. Previuosly, the fine amount for violations was Rs 500. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced the hike on Thursday but officials issued challans for Rs 500 saying that they had not received the notification. "We have not received any written notification in this regard yet and so we have continued to issue challan of Rs 500 for those found not wearing masks," said a senior police officer. Data shared by the Delhi Police showed that a total of 2,507 challans were issued for various violations under COVID-19 guidelines, till 4 pm on Friday. On Friday, over 2,000 challans were issued to people not wearing masks, police officials said. District teams also imposed the previous fine of Rs 500 on those not wearing masks, saying no notification of the Delhi government has been received by them. "It is legally not feasible to change the amount of a fine in the absence of a proper government order or notification," said a district official. (With PTI inputs)

Delhi Government to slap Rs 2000 fine for not using mask in public places

<p>The pandemic has given us a few companions like a face mask, a bottle of hand sanitiser, gloves and a face shield. However, a new study reveals that plastic face shields or masks fitted with a valve can spray invisible droplets over a very wide area when they sneeze or cough, making the devices ineffective at preventing the spread of coronavirus when used on their own.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report published Tuesday in the US journal Physics of Fluids, researchers from the Florida Atlantic University used vertical and horizontal laser sheets to create a simulation model to track tiny droplets of distilled water and glycerin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These droplets spread from a hollow mannequin head fitted with a plastic face shield or a mask with a breathing valve on it.</p>

<p>According to the researchers, the face shield initially blocks the passage of the droplets as they move forwards, but "the expelled droplets can move around the visor with relative ease and spread out over a large area".</p>

<p>As for a mask with a valve fitted to make breathing easier, "a large number of droplets pass through the exhale valve unfiltered, which make it ineffective in stopping the spread the COVID-19 virus if the person wearing the mask is infected."</p>

<p>As per the researchers, high-quality cloth or medical masks of plain design are better in helping prevent the spread of the virus.</p>


The pandemic has given us a few companions like a face mask, a bottle of hand sanitiser, gloves and a face shield. However, a new study reveals that plastic face shields or masks fitted with a valve can spray invisible droplets over a very wide area when they sneeze or cough, making the devices ineffective at preventing the spread of coronavirus when used on their own.

The pandemic has given us a few companions like a face mask, a bottle of hand sanitiser, gloves and a face shield. However, a new study reveals that plastic face shields or masks fitted with a valve can spray invisible droplets over a very wide area when they sneeze or cough, making the devices ineffective at preventing the spread of coronavirus when used on their own. According to a report published Tuesday in the US journal Physics of Fluids, researchers from the Florida Atlantic University used vertical and horizontal laser sheets to create a simulation model to track tiny droplets of distilled water and glycerin. These droplets spread from a hollow mannequin head fitted with a plastic face shield or a mask with a breathing valve on it. According to the researchers, the face shield initially blocks the passage of the droplets as they move forwards, but "the expelled droplets can move around the visor with relative ease and spread out over a large area". As for a mask with a valve fitted to make breathing easier, "a large number of droplets pass through the exhale valve unfiltered, which make it ineffective in stopping the spread the COVID-19 virus if the person wearing the mask is infected." As per the researchers, high-quality cloth or medical masks of plain design are better in helping prevent the spread of the virus.

Masks with valves and face shields allow spread of COVID-19: Study

<p>France is to propose that masks be worn in shared workspaces as the country grapples with a rebound in coronavirus cases that rose again in the past 24 hours to over 3,000.</p>

<p>The health ministry reported 3,310 new coronavirus infections, marking a post-lockdown high for the fourth day in a row.</p>

<p>The number of clusters being investigated increased by 17 to 252, it said in a website update.</p>

<p>The resurgence prompted Britain to impose a 14-day quarantine for people arriving from France, and led the authorities in Paris to expand zones in the capital where wearing a mask is mandatory outdoors.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-imposes-14-day-quarantine-on-people-travelling-from-france-320337"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;UK imposes 14-day quarantine on people travelling from France</strong></a></p>

<p>Employment Minister Elisabeth Borne said she would propose on Tuesday at talks with employer and union representatives that masks be compulsory in collective workspaces.</p>

<p>“A theme that appears in all scientific opinions is the value of wearing them (masks) when there are several people in a confined space,” Borne said in an interview with French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche.</p>

<p>Doctors have increasingly called for masks to be required in the workplace while the HCSP, a body advising the government on health policy, issued a recommendation calling for masks to be compulsory in all common indoor spaces.</p>

<p>This week’s upswing has taken the seven-day moving average of new infections above the 2,000 threshold for the first time since April, when France was in the middle of one of Europe’s strictest lockdowns.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-protests-release-of-taliban-prisoners-who-killed-french-nationals-320901"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Paris protests release of Taliban prisoners who killed French nationals</strong></a></p>

<p>The number of people in hospital has trended downwards in recent weeks even as new COVID-19 cases have risen, with experts pointing to the spread of the virus among younger people.</p>

<p>However, the latest daily figures showed a slight rise in the number of hospital patients, at 4,857 against 4,828 a day earlier, as well as a rise in intensive care patients to 376 from 367.</p>


France is to propose that masks be worn in shared workspaces as the country grapples with a rebound in coronavirus cases that rose again in the past 24 hours to over 3,000.

France is to propose that masks be worn in shared workspaces as the country grapples with a rebound in coronavirus cases that rose again in the past 24 hours to over 3,000. The health ministry reported 3,310 new coronavirus infections, marking a post-lockdown high for the fourth day in a row. The number of clusters being investigated increased by 17 to 252, it said in a website update. The resurgence prompted Britain to impose a 14-day quarantine for people arriving from France, and led the authorities in Paris to expand zones in the capital where wearing a mask is mandatory outdoors. Also read: UK imposes 14-day quarantine on people travelling from France Employment Minister Elisabeth Borne said she would propose on Tuesday at talks with employer and union representatives that masks be compulsory in collective workspaces. “A theme that appears in all scientific opinions is the value of wearing them (masks) when there are several people in a confined space,” Borne said in an interview with French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche. Doctors have increasingly called for masks to be required in the workplace while the HCSP, a body advising the government on health policy, issued a recommendation calling for masks to be compulsory in all common indoor spaces. This week’s upswing has taken the seven-day moving average of new infections above the 2,000 threshold for the first time since April, when France was in the middle of one of Europe’s strictest lockdowns. Also read: Paris protests release of Taliban prisoners who killed French nationals The number of people in hospital has trended downwards in recent weeks even as new COVID-19 cases have risen, with experts pointing to the spread of the virus among younger people. However, the latest daily figures showed a slight rise in the number of hospital patients, at 4,857 against 4,828 a day earlier, as well as a rise in intensive care patients to 376 from 367.

France plans masks at work as daily COVID-19 cases surpass 3,000

<p>President Donald Trump on Monday offered his strongest endorsement for wearing face masks in public, tweeting that it is a “Patriotic” action to take during the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>For months Trump has been refusing to encourage mask wearing as a way to combat the coronavirus.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-could-have-stopped-the-virus-but-didnt-trump-lashes-out-at-china-again-314740"><strong>Also read: They could have stopped the virus but didn't — Trump lashes out at China again</strong></a><br />
<br />
“There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President!” Trump tweeted.</p>

<p>"We are united in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus, and many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can't socially distance," Trump wrote.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are United in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus, and many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can’t socially distance. There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President! <a href="https://t.co/iQOd1whktN">pic.twitter.com/iQOd1whktN</a></p>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1285299379746811915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The tweet from the president appearing to endorse the use of face coverings in public follows months of mixed messages on whether he believed they were an essential tool to help prevent transmission of the disease.</p>

<p>The stylish photo and exhortation for Americans to unite around masks was a far cry from Trump's longtime mocking of masks as symbols of weakness during a pandemic that he has repeatedly suggested is overblown.</p>

<p>However, his tweet stopped well short of endorsing calls from some for a nationwide mandate to wear masks in public.</p>

<p>The nation's top medical authorities -- backed by several leading Republican figures -- say that mask wearing is crucial to halting the disease.</p>

<p>Amid a fierce resurgence of the virus in southern and western states -- including some that are Republican strongholds -- Trump has come under new pressure to change his tune.</p>

<p>He only wore a mask in public for the first time on July 11.By contrast, his Democratic challenger in the November presidential election, Joe Biden, has worn a mask in public for months.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from AFP)</em></p>


President Donald Trump on Monday offered his strongest endorsement for wearing face masks in public, tweeting that it is a “Patriotic” action to take during the coronavirus pandemic.

President Donald Trump on Monday offered his strongest endorsement for wearing face masks in public, tweeting that it is a “Patriotic” action to take during the coronavirus pandemic. For months Trump has been refusing to encourage mask wearing as a way to combat the coronavirus. Also read: They could have stopped the virus but didn't — Trump lashes out at China again “There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President!” Trump tweeted. "We are united in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus, and many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can't socially distance," Trump wrote. We are United in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus, and many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can’t socially distance. There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President! pic.twitter.com/iQOd1whktN — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 20, 2020 × The tweet from the president appearing to endorse the use of face coverings in public follows months of mixed messages on whether he believed they were an essential tool to help prevent transmission of the disease. The stylish photo and exhortation for Americans to unite around masks was a far cry from Trump's longtime mocking of masks as symbols of weakness during a pandemic that he has repeatedly suggested is overblown. However, his tweet stopped well short of endorsing calls from some for a nationwide mandate to wear masks in public. The nation's top medical authorities -- backed by several leading Republican figures -- say that mask wearing is crucial to halting the disease. Amid a fierce resurgence of the virus in southern and western states -- including some that are Republican strongholds -- Trump has come under new pressure to change his tune. He only wore a mask in public for the first time on July 11.By contrast, his Democratic challenger in the November presidential election, Joe Biden, has worn a mask in public for months. (With inputs from AFP)

After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic' in tweet

<p>It is a tough time for everyone, including the house pets. To stay away from the infection, people have been stepping out of the houses only with a face mask. This has perplexed the pet dogs.</p>

<p>So, during the pandemic if your neighbour's dog barks at you like it has gone mad, remember that it is scared. You may be wearing a facemask and dogs fear those.</p>

<p>Dogs hear the&nbsp;familiar voice&nbsp;but when they look up, your face is unrecognisable. For them,&nbsp;it is a moment of total confusion.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-dogs-fear-facemasks-314767/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>They&nbsp;are really good at reading human facial expressions. When a human is angry, fearful or happy, their heart rate goes up but since we now cover our faces, the pet dogs&nbsp;are unable to tell how their masters are feeling which scares them, including fear of a stranger.</p>

<p>A proof of this is the trend of funny videos shared on the internet during the Halloween holidays. Internet is filled with such videos&nbsp;where the dogs can be spotted flipping in fear, barking or turning tail in&nbsp;perplexity when they see people dressed in funny costumes. The dogs continue to do so until they hear their master's familiar voice.</p>

<p><strong>Getting used to it</strong></p>

<p>It's been six months since the coronavirus outbreak. Many pet dogs are used to seeing their masters with a facemask. However,&nbsp;with the easing of lockdown restrictions, it is getting difficult to handle a dog, especially&nbsp;near shops or public transport.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The dogs&nbsp;get overwhelmed on seeing a sea of people wearing facemasks. In such situations, dogs need to be trained and taught, leading dog trainers believe. The experts also suggest to avoid taking dogs outdoors during busy hours.</p>

<p>You must train the dog by taking off your mask and wearing it again several times, and awarding them with a treat at every successful step.</p>


It is a tough time for everyone, including the house pets. To stay away from the infection, people have been stepping out of the houses only with a face mask. This has perplexed the pet dogs.

It is a tough time for everyone, including the house pets. To stay away from the infection, people have been stepping out of the houses only with a face mask. This has perplexed the pet dogs. So, during the pandemic if your neighbour's dog barks at you like it has gone mad, remember that it is scared. You may be wearing a facemask and dogs fear those. Dogs hear the familiar voice but when they look up, your face is unrecognisable. For them, it is a moment of total confusion. They are really good at reading human facial expressions. When a human is angry, fearful or happy, their heart rate goes up but since we now cover our faces, the pet dogs are unable to tell how their masters are feeling which scares them, including fear of a stranger. A proof of this is the trend of funny videos shared on the internet during the Halloween holidays. Internet is filled with such videos where the dogs can be spotted flipping in fear, barking or turning tail in perplexity when they see people dressed in funny costumes. The dogs continue to do so until they hear their master's familiar voice. Getting used to it It's been six months since the coronavirus outbreak. Many pet dogs are used to seeing their masters with a facemask. However, with the easing of lockdown restrictions, it is getting difficult to handle a dog, especially near shops or public transport. The dogs get overwhelmed on seeing a sea of people wearing facemasks. In such situations, dogs need to be trained and taught, leading dog trainers believe. The experts also suggest to avoid taking dogs outdoors during busy hours. You must train the dog by taking off your mask and wearing it again several times, and awarding them with a treat at every successful step.

Unmasking the fear: Coronavirus face mask are scaring dogs in 'new normal'

<p>After announcing a partial reopening of the economy, UK government has announced plans of making face masks compulsory for people inside shops and supermarkets from July 24.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We want to give people more confidence to shop safely and enhance protections for those who work in shops," Hancock told MPs.</p>

<p>"Both of these can be done by the use of face coverings."</p>

<p><a href="wionews.com/world/death-toll-may-be-exaggerated-uk-government-to-pause-daily-updates-314305"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Death toll may be exaggerated: UK government to pause daily updates</strong></a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Boris Johnson has described this measure as an "extra insurance" against the spread of the virus, especially after the reopening of the economy.</p>

<p>The decision came after Boris Johnson's cabinet&nbsp;colleague, Michael Gove, earlier hinted that the UK government will not be making wearing face mask a compulsion.</p>

<p>People spotted without a face mask will be subjected to a fine of up to&nbsp;£100 ($123, 109 euros), with police enforcement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/significant-return-to-normality-from-november-uk-pm-johnson-allows-schools-to-reopen-bring-back-audiences-in-stadiums-314053"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;'Significant return to normality from November': UK PM Johnson allows schools to reopen, bring back audiences in stadiums</strong></a></p>

<p>"I do think in shops it's very important to wear a face covering if you're going to be in a confined space to protect other people, and receive protection," he said.</p>

<p>the police officials are not very happy with the decision of police enforcement.&nbsp;"They can quite easily put signs up on their doors 'No mask on, no entry, this is private property'," said Ken Marsh, of the Metropolitan Police Federation representing officers.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, France too made it compulsory for people to wear face masks indoors.</p>


After announcing a partial reopening of the economy, UK government has announced plans of making face masks compulsory for people inside shops and supermarkets from July 24.

After announcing a partial reopening of the economy, UK government has announced plans of making face masks compulsory for people inside shops and supermarkets from July 24. "We want to give people more confidence to shop safely and enhance protections for those who work in shops," Hancock told MPs. "Both of these can be done by the use of face coverings." Also read: Death toll may be exaggerated: UK government to pause daily updates Prime Minister Boris Johnson has described this measure as an "extra insurance" against the spread of the virus, especially after the reopening of the economy. The decision came after Boris Johnson's cabinet colleague, Michael Gove, earlier hinted that the UK government will not be making wearing face mask a compulsion. People spotted without a face mask will be subjected to a fine of up to £100 ($123, 109 euros), with police enforcement. Also read: 'Significant return to normality from November': UK PM Johnson allows schools to reopen, bring back audiences in stadiums "I do think in shops it's very important to wear a face covering if you're going to be in a confined space to protect other people, and receive protection," he said. the police officials are not very happy with the decision of police enforcement. "They can quite easily put signs up on their doors 'No mask on, no entry, this is private property'," said Ken Marsh, of the Metropolitan Police Federation representing officers. Earlier this week, France too made it compulsory for people to wear face masks indoors.

COVID 19: Britishers to wear face mask inside shops too from July 24

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