A man donning a Donald Trump shirt with an inflatable inner tube wrapping his belly was recently seen&nbsp;purposely exhaling on two women outside incumbent US President Donald Trump’s golf course in Virginia. Now, he has been charged with simple assault.

The 61-year-old Raymond Deskins of Sterling, Virginia was charged with misdemeanour simple assault, as claimed by Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-name-yellen-to-us-treasury-breaking-a-231-year-gender-barrier-345005" hreflang="en">Biden to name Yellen to US Treasury, breaking a 231-year gender barrier</a>

Out of the two women he was exhaling on, one filmed the video and shared it on social, after which it gained traction across social media.

In another clip of Deskins - he was seeing arguing with women who were protesting against Trump, and without a mask.

Watch the clip below

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Trump supporter forcefully exhaling without a mask on a protester outside the Trump National Golf Club, Nov. 21, 2020 <a href="https://t.co/Bq2mMH1At0">pic.twitter.com/Bq2mMH1At0</a>
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In the clip, one of the women can be heard saying "Get away from me! Get away from me!" Another woman told him “You don't get up in somebody's face”. Deskins responded with “I’m not in anybody's face."

"You are in my face - and you don't have a mask, so you need to back up”, the woman retorted with.

At this moment, the man was seen exhaling forcefully on women.&nbsp;To this, one of the women responded with “That's assault!" The man said - “I breathed on you" after which he exhaled on the woman filming.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/transition-executive-announces-start-of-process-for-joe-biden-345001" hreflang="en">Transition Executive announces start of process for Joe Biden</a>

The US continues to remain deeply divided in the aftermath of recent presidential election - whereby Democrat Joe Biden emerged victorious, which was quickly followed by Trump blaming his loss on election fraud - a claim largely discredit both by election officials and analysts.

Joe Biden's administration can formally begin its transition to power after President Trump, who has still hasn't conceded the White House race, tweeted he was "recommending" the GSA and others in his administration begin "initial protocols" to kick-start the formal transfer of presidential power.

A man donning a Donald Trump shirt with an inflatable inner tube wrapping his belly was recently seen purposely exhaling on two women outside incumbent US President Donald Trump’s golf course in Virginia.

A man donning a Donald Trump shirt with an inflatable inner tube wrapping his belly was recently seen purposely exhaling on two women outside incumbent US President Donald Trump’s golf course in Virginia. Now, he has been charged with simple assault. The 61-year-old Raymond Deskins of Sterling, Virginia was charged with misdemeanour simple assault, as claimed by Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office statement. Also read: Biden to name Yellen to US Treasury, breaking a 231-year gender barrier Out of the two women he was exhaling on, one filmed the video and shared it on social, after which it gained traction across social media. In another clip of Deskins - he was seeing arguing with women who were protesting against Trump, and without a mask. Watch the clip below Trump supporter forcefully exhaling without a mask on a protester outside the Trump National Golf Club, Nov. 21, 2020 pic.twitter.com/Bq2mMH1At0 — Douglas Christian (@DougChristianDC) November 21, 2020 × In the clip, one of the women can be heard saying "Get away from me! Get away from me!" Another woman told him “You don't get up in somebody's face”. Deskins responded with “I’m not in anybody's face." "You are in my face - and you don't have a mask, so you need to back up”, the woman retorted with. At this moment, the man was seen exhaling forcefully on women. To this, one of the women responded with “That's assault!" The man said - “I breathed on you" after which he exhaled on the woman filming. Also read: Transition Executive announces start of process for Joe Biden The US continues to remain deeply divided in the aftermath of recent presidential election - whereby Democrat Joe Biden emerged victorious, which was quickly followed by Trump blaming his loss on election fraud - a claim largely discredit both by election officials and analysts. Joe Biden's administration can formally begin its transition to power after President Trump, who has still hasn't conceded the White House race, tweeted he was "recommending" the GSA and others in his administration begin "initial protocols" to kick-start the formal transfer of presidential power.

Man donning Trump merchandise charged after 'forcefully exhaling' on two women

With the coronavirus on the march through much of the United States, scientists are urging Americans to adopt the few health measures shown to slow the virus: universal mask use, social distancing, good ventilation indoors and hand hygiene.

Mask-wearing has become a particularly divisive — and partisan — issue over the past few months. Still, faced with a surge in cases, 40 states, including recent holdouts like Iowa and North Dakota, now have put mask requirements in place.

Among public health experts, there is near-unanimous endorsement of universal mask mandates to shield people from the virus and slow the pandemic.

“The more people who wear a mask, the more the community is protected and therefore the more you individually benefit,” said Dr. John Brooks, chief medical officer of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 response program. “It’s like a herd effect.”

Brooks is the architect of a recent agency bulletin saying that masks benefit wearers, not just those around them. Increasing the proportion of people who wear masks by 15% could prevent the need for lockdowns and cut economic losses that may reach $1 trillion, about 5% of gross domestic product, the CDC said.

“If it can’t help us avert the shutdowns that are happening, it can certainly help us come down the backside of this peak and then keep things down,” Brooks said.

Other experts were careful to note that masks cannot work in isolation. “Controlling community spread of COVID-19 and protecting individuals requires a multitiered approach,” said John Volckens, a public health engineer at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

In August, Volckens organized a workshop for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine on ways to prevent airborne transmission of the virus. “Masks are a critical part of that approach,” he said. “That is definitely the consensus among scientists.”

So what is the evidence supporting mask use? And what about that Danish study questioning whether masks protect the wearer? We asked experts to weigh in on the latest evidence.

There are masks — and masks.

The term mask refers to any kind of protective facial covering, but its effectiveness depends greatly on the type. The gold standard is the N95 respirator which, as its name suggests, can block 95% of harmful particles a wearer might breathe in or out. Surgical masks are also highly effective at filtering these particles.

But experts say only health care workers require gold-standard protection. Doctors and nurses work closely with infected patients for prolonged periods, which significantly increases their risk of infection with the coronavirus, Brooks noted.

The average person, on the other hand, is exposed to much less virus and less often, and so can be protected with a well-made cloth covering, Brooks said. The best cloth face coverings, which have multiple layers that can trap viral particles — the thickest are mostly impervious to light — are as effective as surgical masks in some circumstances.

Cloth masks are also reusable and durable, and even after regular washings, they maintain their effectiveness. N95s and surgical masks are usually worn once and “end up in a landfill,” Brooks said.

Masks prevent infected people from spreading the virus.

It’s indisputable that N95 respirators and surgical masks prevent pathogens from infecting others — one reason doctors have traditionally worn surgical masks to protect their patients.

There is increasing evidence that cloth face coverings, too, stop virus expelled by an infected person when breathing, talking, singing or shouting — controlling the spread at the source.

This discovery became especially important once scientists learned that people who don’t even feel symptoms may spread the virus. More than 50% of all infections may be transmitted by asymptomatic people.

Apart from epidemiological studies showing that mask use is high in countries that have successfully controlled the virus, mask mandates have been shown to significantly slow the virus in U.S. states and in health care settings, Volckens said.

Masks protect the wearer, although how efficiently is still unclear.

All kinds of masks offer the wearer some degree of protection, multiple studies have shown. Exactly how much protection is not yet clear.

“The protection for the wearer is not 100%,” Dr. Leana Wen, the former assistant health commissioner of Baltimore, said of cloth masks. “That’s also why universal masking is important, because we need the people who are infected to be wearing it.”

N95 masks are thought to be the most effective in this regard, followed by surgical masks. But evidence for benefit from cloth masks is scarce.

“There haven’t been good studies on protecting the wearer,” said Linsey Marr, an expert at Virginia Tech on the airborne transmission of viruses. Still, she added, most researchers assume cloth masks provide at least some protection.

Some of the studies on wearer protection were conducted in labs under ideal conditions, or with mannequins, which does not capture more realistic situations in which people wear masks inconsistently or incorrectly.

Still, in one such study, a mask made of four layers of tightly woven surgical gauze prevented transmission more effectively when worn by both parties than when worn only by an infected person, Brooks said.

“They worked best together, and the cloth masks performed essentially as well as surgical masks,” he said. “When you’re wearing a mask, you’re protecting others as well as yourself.”

It’s harder to study masks than drugs or vaccines.

Critics of mask-wearing measures have long demanded a randomized clinical trial that establishes their effectiveness. But while such trials are the standard for drugs and vaccines, they are not ideal for evaluating behaviors subject to people’s recall, experts said.

“Show me the clinical trials that showed the efficacy of hand washing,” Volckens said. “And I think we all agree that smoking causes cancer and is bad for you — does that mean that we can’t believe that smoking causes cancer because there isn’t a clinical trial?”

Most studies on cloth face coverings have been observational and looked at whether their use stopped the spread at a community level. The CDC’s latest bulletin on masks lists several such studies confirming the benefit of universal masking mandates.

In one study, two masked hair stylists had symptoms but did not transmit the virus to any of their 67 masked clients. In another, face coverings seemed to reduce risk of infection by 70% during an outbreak aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt.

It’s particularly difficult to assess a mask’s benefit to the wearer because “you’ve got to be able to measure what’s behind the mask and what’s getting through the mask into their mouth,” Marr said.

A Danish study published Wednesday was a randomized clinical trial assessing whether a mask protected wearers. It found no statistically significant effect. But the study has serious limitations, experts said: It was conducted when community transmission in Denmark was low, and masks were far from the norm.

“It didn’t get at this communitywide effect,” Volckens said.

The numbers in the study were small, and only half of the mask-wearing subjects reported doing so as strictly as recommended. Even those who wore them regularly would not have worn them at restaurants, bars, gyms or in their homes — settings responsible for the majority of spread in a community, Marr noted.

“It’s hard to do these studies in real life,” she said.

The study still found a 15% protection for the wearer, although the figure was not statistically significant. But it may be an underestimate, Marr and other researchers said.

“I still think masks are the most cheap, effective, versatile intervention that we can have if social distancing is not possible or variable, or if indoor ventilation is poor,” said Julian Tang, honorary professor of respiratory sciences at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom.

Over time, recommendations on masks have changed. That’s how science works.

The CDC has been criticized for an about-face on masks since the beginning of the pandemic, when it urged only symptomatic people to wear them. The agency did not recommend universal use of face coverings until April. (The World Health Organization was even later, issuing its endorsement in July.)

The agency was reluctant to recommend masks at first because it worried about a run on the high-quality masks needed for health care workers, Marr said. “I think it took time to realize that there’s different objectives in the health care setting versus in the community,” she said.

It is natural when dealing with an unknown virus for recommendations to change significantly over time, Wen said. “We know a lot more now, and I think we should acknowledge that we were wrong,” she said.

Still, changes in guidance should be seen as a sign that the policy is following the latest science, she added.

“Somehow that change has been framed by some people as public health experts not knowing what we’re doing,” Wen said. “But actually, we should see this change in guidance as part of the necessary evolution. That’s the cornerstone of a solid public health response.”

For example, it was not clear at first that the virus could be transmitted by air, especially indoors and by people without symptoms. So scientists assumed that the new coronavirus behaved like the coronaviruses causing SARS and MERS.

But the CDC was quick to recommend masks once it was clear that asymptomatic transmission was a big contributor, Brooks said: “Science changes. So do we, and so do our recommendations.”

Likewise, the agency initially recommended masks only to protect those near an infected person because “that’s where we had the earliest and clear data.” Now there is enough evidence to say that masks also benefit the wearer.

“Our guidance has not changed — we are recommending everybody wear masks,” he said. “What has changed is we can now give you a reason. a personal reason that will motivate people.”

Masks alone are not enough to stop the spread.

The experts all emphasized that mask use is just one tool that can slow the pandemic. Social distancing, ventilation and hand hygiene are also important.

“None of those is 100% effective by itself,” Marr said. “But when we combine them, then we can make a big dent in the risk of transmission.”

Masking is also among the easiest of community strategies to adopt, or should be, as states all over the country try to avert lockdowns, Brooks said: “We believe strongly that universal masking policies can help avert shutdowns.”

With the coronavirus on the march through much of the United States, scientists are urging Americans to adopt the few health measures shown to slow the virus: universal mask use, social distancing, good ventilation indoors and hand hygiene.

With the coronavirus on the march through much of the United States, scientists are urging Americans to adopt the few health measures shown to slow the virus: universal mask use, social distancing, good ventilation indoors and hand hygiene. Mask-wearing has become a particularly divisive — and partisan — issue over the past few months. Still, faced with a surge in cases, 40 states, including recent holdouts like Iowa and North Dakota, now have put mask requirements in place. Among public health experts, there is near-unanimous endorsement of universal mask mandates to shield people from the virus and slow the pandemic. “The more people who wear a mask, the more the community is protected and therefore the more you individually benefit,” said Dr. John Brooks, chief medical officer of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 response program. “It’s like a herd effect.” Brooks is the architect of a recent agency bulletin saying that masks benefit wearers, not just those around them. Increasing the proportion of people who wear masks by 15% could prevent the need for lockdowns and cut economic losses that may reach $1 trillion, about 5% of gross domestic product, the CDC said. “If it can’t help us avert the shutdowns that are happening, it can certainly help us come down the backside of this peak and then keep things down,” Brooks said. Other experts were careful to note that masks cannot work in isolation. “Controlling community spread of COVID-19 and protecting individuals requires a multitiered approach,” said John Volckens, a public health engineer at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. In August, Volckens organized a workshop for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine on ways to prevent airborne transmission of the virus. “Masks are a critical part of that approach,” he said. “That is definitely the consensus among scientists.” So what is the evidence supporting mask use? And what about that Danish study questioning whether masks protect the wearer? We asked experts to weigh in on the latest evidence. There are masks — and masks. The term mask refers to any kind of protective facial covering, but its effectiveness depends greatly on the type. The gold standard is the N95 respirator which, as its name suggests, can block 95% of harmful particles a wearer might breathe in or out. Surgical masks are also highly effective at filtering these particles. But experts say only health care workers require gold-standard protection. Doctors and nurses work closely with infected patients for prolonged periods, which significantly increases their risk of infection with the coronavirus, Brooks noted. The average person, on the other hand, is exposed to much less virus and less often, and so can be protected with a well-made cloth covering, Brooks said. The best cloth face coverings, which have multiple layers that can trap viral particles — the thickest are mostly impervious to light — are as effective as surgical masks in some circumstances. Cloth masks are also reusable and durable, and even after regular washings, they maintain their effectiveness. N95s and surgical masks are usually worn once and “end up in a landfill,” Brooks said. Masks prevent infected people from spreading the virus. It’s indisputable that N95 respirators and surgical masks prevent pathogens from infecting others — one reason doctors have traditionally worn surgical masks to protect their patients. There is increasing evidence that cloth face coverings, too, stop virus expelled by an infected person when breathing, talking, singing or shouting — controlling the spread at the source. This discovery became especially important once scientists learned that people who don’t even feel symptoms may spread the virus. More than 50% of all infections may be transmitted by asymptomatic people. Apart from epidemiological studies showing that mask use is high in countries that have successfully controlled the virus, mask mandates have been shown to significantly slow the virus in U.S. states and in health care settings, Volckens said. Masks protect the wearer, although how efficiently is still unclear. All kinds of masks offer the wearer some degree of protection, multiple studies have shown. Exactly how much protection is not yet clear. “The protection for the wearer is not 100%,” Dr. Leana Wen, the former assistant health commissioner of Baltimore, said of cloth masks. “That’s also why universal masking is important, because we need the people who are infected to be wearing it.” N95 masks are thought to be the most effective in this regard, followed by surgical masks. But evidence for benefit from cloth masks is scarce. “There haven’t been good studies on protecting the wearer,” said Linsey Marr, an expert at Virginia Tech on the airborne transmission of viruses. Still, she added, most researchers assume cloth masks provide at least some protection. Some of the studies on wearer protection were conducted in labs under ideal conditions, or with mannequins, which does not capture more realistic situations in which people wear masks inconsistently or incorrectly. Still, in one such study, a mask made of four layers of tightly woven surgical gauze prevented transmission more effectively when worn by both parties than when worn only by an infected person, Brooks said. “They worked best together, and the cloth masks performed essentially as well as surgical masks,” he said. “When you’re wearing a mask, you’re protecting others as well as yourself.” It’s harder to study masks than drugs or vaccines. Critics of mask-wearing measures have long demanded a randomized clinical trial that establishes their effectiveness. But while such trials are the standard for drugs and vaccines, they are not ideal for evaluating behaviors subject to people’s recall, experts said. “Show me the clinical trials that showed the efficacy of hand washing,” Volckens said. “And I think we all agree that smoking causes cancer and is bad for you — does that mean that we can’t believe that smoking causes cancer because there isn’t a clinical trial?” Most studies on cloth face coverings have been observational and looked at whether their use stopped the spread at a community level. The CDC’s latest bulletin on masks lists several such studies confirming the benefit of universal masking mandates. In one study, two masked hair stylists had symptoms but did not transmit the virus to any of their 67 masked clients. In another, face coverings seemed to reduce risk of infection by 70% during an outbreak aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. It’s particularly difficult to assess a mask’s benefit to the wearer because “you’ve got to be able to measure what’s behind the mask and what’s getting through the mask into their mouth,” Marr said. A Danish study published Wednesday was a randomized clinical trial assessing whether a mask protected wearers. It found no statistically significant effect. But the study has serious limitations, experts said: It was conducted when community transmission in Denmark was low, and masks were far from the norm. “It didn’t get at this communitywide effect,” Volckens said. The numbers in the study were small, and only half of the mask-wearing subjects reported doing so as strictly as recommended. Even those who wore them regularly would not have worn them at restaurants, bars, gyms or in their homes — settings responsible for the majority of spread in a community, Marr noted. “It’s hard to do these studies in real life,” she said. The study still found a 15% protection for the wearer, although the figure was not statistically significant. But it may be an underestimate, Marr and other researchers said. “I still think masks are the most cheap, effective, versatile intervention that we can have if social distancing is not possible or variable, or if indoor ventilation is poor,” said Julian Tang, honorary professor of respiratory sciences at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. Over time, recommendations on masks have changed. That’s how science works. The CDC has been criticized for an about-face on masks since the beginning of the pandemic, when it urged only symptomatic people to wear them. The agency did not recommend universal use of face coverings until April. (The World Health Organization was even later, issuing its endorsement in July.) The agency was reluctant to recommend masks at first because it worried about a run on the high-quality masks needed for health care workers, Marr said. “I think it took time to realize that there’s different objectives in the health care setting versus in the community,” she said. It is natural when dealing with an unknown virus for recommendations to change significantly over time, Wen said. “We know a lot more now, and I think we should acknowledge that we were wrong,” she said. Still, changes in guidance should be seen as a sign that the policy is following the latest science, she added. “Somehow that change has been framed by some people as public health experts not knowing what we’re doing,” Wen said. “But actually, we should see this change in guidance as part of the necessary evolution. That’s the cornerstone of a solid public health response.” For example, it was not clear at first that the virus could be transmitted by air, especially indoors and by people without symptoms. So scientists assumed that the new coronavirus behaved like the coronaviruses causing SARS and MERS. But the CDC was quick to recommend masks once it was clear that asymptomatic transmission was a big contributor, Brooks said: “Science changes. So do we, and so do our recommendations.” Likewise, the agency initially recommended masks only to protect those near an infected person because “that’s where we had the earliest and clear data.” Now there is enough evidence to say that masks also benefit the wearer. “Our guidance has not changed — we are recommending everybody wear masks,” he said. “What has changed is we can now give you a reason. a personal reason that will motivate people.” Masks alone are not enough to stop the spread. The experts all emphasized that mask use is just one tool that can slow the pandemic. Social distancing, ventilation and hand hygiene are also important. “None of those is 100% effective by itself,” Marr said. “But when we combine them, then we can make a big dent in the risk of transmission.” Masking is also among the easiest of community strategies to adopt, or should be, as states all over the country try to avert lockdowns, Brooks said: “We believe strongly that universal masking policies can help avert shutdowns.”

Confused about masks? Here's what scientists know

Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates recently hit out at anti-mask protesters. In the era of conspiracy theories circling social media, many believe that masks are pointless. In fact, in many countries, many have taken to the streets to protest wearing masks.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bill-gates-slammed-by-anti-vaxxers-for-funding-research-300792/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Bill Gates recently compared anti-mask protesters to “nudists”.&nbsp;During an interview on the podcast “Bill Gates and Rashida Jones Ask Big Questions”, Gates and the comedian took up the issue of anti-mask protesters. Many continue to denounce masks, especially after calls from leaders like American President Donald Trump and Brazil’s Bolsonaro, who have continuously downplayed the importance of face coverings.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-prime-minister-boris-johnson-meets-bill-gates-to-discuss-covid-19-vaccine-342652" hreflang="en">UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson meets Bill Gates to discuss COVID-19 vaccine</a>

Gates referred to anti-maskers as a “weird thing”. He added the following - “I mean, what are these, like, nudists?”

Gates went on to comparing the situation with wearing pants. "We ask you to wear pants and, you know, no American says — or very few Americans say — that that’s, like, some terrible thing," Huffpost quoted him as saying.

The American billionaire also spoke about the shifting public perception about masks. He said that in the beginning of the pandemic, not everyone was convinced of the safety of masks, but now that it has been ascertained that COVID-19 is different from fevers and flus, masks are more commonly accepted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/normalcy-will-return-only-with-second-generation-of-covid-19-vaccine-bill-gates-334922" hreflang="en">Normalcy will return only with second generation of Covid-19 vaccine: Bill Gates</a>

Gates alluded to a research undertaken by the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. It claimed that if everybody wore masks, “over 100,000” deaths could be averted int he US.

Rashida Jones and Bill Gates also spoke to Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Fauci claimed that "wearing a mask, keeping a distance, avoiding crowds, being outdoors as much as you possibly can - weather permitted - and washing your hands" are the defining ways for one to return to the normal world.

Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates recently hit out at anti-mask protesters. In the era of conspiracy theories circling social media, many believe that masks are pointless.

Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates recently hit out at anti-mask protesters. In the era of conspiracy theories circling social media, many believe that masks are pointless. In fact, in many countries, many have taken to the streets to protest wearing masks. Bill Gates recently compared anti-mask protesters to “nudists”. During an interview on the podcast “Bill Gates and Rashida Jones Ask Big Questions”, Gates and the comedian took up the issue of anti-mask protesters. Many continue to denounce masks, especially after calls from leaders like American President Donald Trump and Brazil’s Bolsonaro, who have continuously downplayed the importance of face coverings. Also read: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson meets Bill Gates to discuss COVID-19 vaccine Gates referred to anti-maskers as a “weird thing”. He added the following - “I mean, what are these, like, nudists?” Gates went on to comparing the situation with wearing pants. "We ask you to wear pants and, you know, no American says — or very few Americans say — that that’s, like, some terrible thing," Huffpost quoted him as saying. The American billionaire also spoke about the shifting public perception about masks. He said that in the beginning of the pandemic, not everyone was convinced of the safety of masks, but now that it has been ascertained that COVID-19 is different from fevers and flus, masks are more commonly accepted. Also read: Normalcy will return only with second generation of Covid-19 vaccine: Bill Gates Gates alluded to a research undertaken by the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. It claimed that if everybody wore masks, “over 100,000” deaths could be averted int he US. Rashida Jones and Bill Gates also spoke to Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Fauci claimed that "wearing a mask, keeping a distance, avoiding crowds, being outdoors as much as you possibly can - weather permitted - and washing your hands" are the defining ways for one to return to the normal world.

Bill Gates wonders whether anti-maskers are 'nudists' and why they won't wear masks

While a face mask might feel uncomfortable, researchers have said that they do not significantly change the actual work of breathing or the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide when worn while exercising. 
 
The physical barrier created by masks has prompted concerns that they might impair the cardiopulmonary system by making it harder to breathe, by altering the flow of inhaled oxygen and exhaled carbon dioxide and by increasing dyspnea.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/coronavirus-mutations-appearing-in-siberia-russian-scientists-343820">Coronavirus mutations appearing in Siberia: Russian scientists</a> 
 
Dyspnea is a medical term that describes shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, especially during physical activity. 
 
In a new study, published in the journal Annals of the American Thoracic Society, the research team concluded that while sensations of dyspnea might increase, there is little empirical evidence that wearing a face mask significantly diminishes lung function, even when worn during heavy exercise. 
 
"There might be a perceived greater effort with activity, but the effects of wearing a mask on the work of breathing, on gases like oxygen and CO2 in blood or other physiological parameters are small, often too small to be detected," said the study author Susan Hopkins from University of California San Diego in the US.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-to-human-transmission-of-rare-chapare-virus-in-bolivia-confirmed-by-scientists-343728">Human-to-human transmission of rare 'Chapare virus' in Bolivia confirmed by scientists</a> 
 
The researchers came to their conclusions following a review of all known scientific literature published that examined the effects of various face masks and respiratory loading devices on physiological and perceptual responses to physical activity. 
 
These studies assessed multiple factors, such as work of breathing (the quantified energy expended to inhale and exhale), arterial blood gases, effects on muscle blood flow and fatigue, cardiac function and flow of blood to the brain. 
 
For healthy persons, the effects of wearing a mask on these physiological markers were minimal, no matter what type of mask was worn or the degree of exercise.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mouthwash-can-kill-coronavirus-within-30-seconds-study-343609">Mouthwash can kill coronavirus within 30 seconds: Study</a> 
 
The authors also said age played no significant influencing role among adults. Gender differences were deemed inconsequential. 
 
"Wearing a face mask can be uncomfortable. There can be tiny increases in breathing resistance. You may re-inhale warmer, slightly enriched CO2 air. And if you`re exercising, the mask can cause your face to become hot and sweaty," Hopkins said. 
 
"But these are sensory perceptions. They do not impact cardiopulmonary function in healthy people," Hopkins added. 
 
"So while dyspnea might be increased with a mask, you have to weigh that against the reduced risk of contracting COVID-19, knowing that the physiology is essentially unchanged," she noted.

While a face mask might feel uncomfortable, researchers have said that they do not significantly change the actual work of breathing or the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide when worn while exercising.

While a face mask might feel uncomfortable, researchers have said that they do not significantly change the actual work of breathing or the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide when worn while exercising. The physical barrier created by masks has prompted concerns that they might impair the cardiopulmonary system by making it harder to breathe, by altering the flow of inhaled oxygen and exhaled carbon dioxide and by increasing dyspnea. Also read| Coronavirus mutations appearing in Siberia: Russian scientists Dyspnea is a medical term that describes shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, especially during physical activity. In a new study, published in the journal Annals of the American Thoracic Society, the research team concluded that while sensations of dyspnea might increase, there is little empirical evidence that wearing a face mask significantly diminishes lung function, even when worn during heavy exercise. "There might be a perceived greater effort with activity, but the effects of wearing a mask on the work of breathing, on gases like oxygen and CO2 in blood or other physiological parameters are small, often too small to be detected," said the study author Susan Hopkins from University of California San Diego in the US. Also read| Human-to-human transmission of rare 'Chapare virus' in Bolivia confirmed by scientists The researchers came to their conclusions following a review of all known scientific literature published that examined the effects of various face masks and respiratory loading devices on physiological and perceptual responses to physical activity. These studies assessed multiple factors, such as work of breathing (the quantified energy expended to inhale and exhale), arterial blood gases, effects on muscle blood flow and fatigue, cardiac function and flow of blood to the brain. For healthy persons, the effects of wearing a mask on these physiological markers were minimal, no matter what type of mask was worn or the degree of exercise. Also read| Mouthwash can kill coronavirus within 30 seconds: Study The authors also said age played no significant influencing role among adults. Gender differences were deemed inconsequential. "Wearing a face mask can be uncomfortable. There can be tiny increases in breathing resistance. You may re-inhale warmer, slightly enriched CO2 air. And if you`re exercising, the mask can cause your face to become hot and sweaty," Hopkins said. "But these are sensory perceptions. They do not impact cardiopulmonary function in healthy people," Hopkins added. "So while dyspnea might be increased with a mask, you have to weigh that against the reduced risk of contracting COVID-19, knowing that the physiology is essentially unchanged," she noted.

Masks don't impair lung function during exercise: Study

Brazilian artist makes masks for those who don't want to hide their face!

US President-elect Joe Biden has elected a new task force in order to fight COVID-19. During an address he said that, fighting COVID-19 is his top priority. He also appealed to Americans to wear a mask.

Joe Biden forms new COVID-19 task force, urges Americans to wear a mask

From controlling vital signs to filtering filthy air and even translating speech into other languages, the coronavirus-fuelled boom in mask-wearing has generated an unusual range of high-tech face coverings. Watch report.

COVID-19 pandemic fueled boom in mask-wearing

The United Kingdm has decided to impose a ban on plastic straws, cotton buds and stirrers in every commercial establishment from the month of October.

As per the new rule, all sales and distribution for&nbsp;single-use plastic items will be banned, starting from October 01. This also includes ban on supplying these items to the customers in restaurants, cafes and bars.

Boris Johnson-led government has, however, added exemptions for people with special needs or the people who medically require these items.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-to-speak-on-covid-19-as-anger-mounts-towards-curbs-331392">Also read:&nbsp;UK PM Johnson to speak on COVID-19 as anger mounts towards curbs</a>

The rule has been implemented to tackle the problem of climate change and global warming — a topic due to which various small-scale protests took place in the country.

"The ban on straws, stirrers and cotton buds is just the next step in our battle against plastic pollution and our pledge to protect our ocean and the environment for future generations.

"We are already a world-leader in this global effort. Our five-pence charge on single-use plastic bags has successfully cut sales by 95% in the main supermarkets, we have banned microbeads, and we are building plans for a deposit return scheme to drive up the recycling of single-use drinks containers."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-starts-shutting-down-britain-again-as-coronavirus-spreads-329383">Also read:&nbsp;Boris Johnson starts shutting down Britain again as coronavirus spreads</a>

The ban was to come into place from April. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the UK government was unable to&nbsp; impose the ban and negatively affect the already suffering supply chain.

However, from October, it has been made illegal to hand out single-use plastic items to customers.

Pandemic waste

While the environmentalists are happy with the new rule, they worry that new threat to the environment is the new threat to the human kind — COVID-19.

Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the waste generated due to the discarded face masks and the single-use PPE kits.

The environmentalists claim that while they understand the dangers of the situation, they hope people will follow proper steps to discard the pandemic waste, rather than littering on streets or water bodies.

The United Kingdm has decided to impose a ban on plastic straws, cotton buds and stirrers in every commercial establishment from the month of October. As per the new rule, all sales and distribution for single-use plastic items will be banned, starting from October 01.

The United Kingdm has decided to impose a ban on plastic straws, cotton buds and stirrers in every commercial establishment from the month of October. As per the new rule, all sales and distribution for single-use plastic items will be banned, starting from October 01. This also includes ban on supplying these items to the customers in restaurants, cafes and bars. Boris Johnson-led government has, however, added exemptions for people with special needs or the people who medically require these items. Also read: UK PM Johnson to speak on COVID-19 as anger mounts towards curbs The rule has been implemented to tackle the problem of climate change and global warming — a topic due to which various small-scale protests took place in the country. "The ban on straws, stirrers and cotton buds is just the next step in our battle against plastic pollution and our pledge to protect our ocean and the environment for future generations. "We are already a world-leader in this global effort. Our five-pence charge on single-use plastic bags has successfully cut sales by 95% in the main supermarkets, we have banned microbeads, and we are building plans for a deposit return scheme to drive up the recycling of single-use drinks containers." Also read: Boris Johnson starts shutting down Britain again as coronavirus spreads The ban was to come into place from April. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the UK government was unable to impose the ban and negatively affect the already suffering supply chain. However, from October, it has been made illegal to hand out single-use plastic items to customers. Pandemic waste While the environmentalists are happy with the new rule, they worry that new threat to the environment is the new threat to the human kind — COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the waste generated due to the discarded face masks and the single-use PPE kits. The environmentalists claim that while they understand the dangers of the situation, they hope people will follow proper steps to discard the pandemic waste, rather than littering on streets or water bodies.

UK: Plastic straws, cotton buds and stirrers banned after months of delay

In a factory south of Paris, a laser cuts through a hemp canvas on the production line of what the manufacturer says is Europe's first compostable face mask.

French firm develops hemp face masks

Hemp is used to make reusable masks that are undoubtedly environment friendly. Hemp Masks are made with hemp grown 100% organically. Hemp Masks do not pollute air, sea or land. Watch report.

Face masks polluting amid COVID-19: Can Hemp masks save environment?

Ace Naomi Osaka pays tribute to black lives in a unique fashion!

The popular cab service Uber has decided to take employment safety a notch higher. Since the pandemic began, uber has been making sure that all drivers wear face mask, avoid any close contact and follow all other safety and health precautions to keep the passengers safe and comfortable.

However, Uber is now worried about its partner drivers. It has come to Uber's notice that a lot of passengers have not been wearing face masks. So, Uber has now decided to roll out a new verification system for passengers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/california-uber-to-continue-food-delivery-services-despite-rides-business-forced-shut-321396">Also watch|&nbsp;California: Uber to continue food delivery services despite rides business forced shut</a>

Specific passengers, when requesting the next ride,&nbsp;will be asked to compulsorily send a selfie wearing masks. These passengers will be the ones who have been previously reported by the partner drivers for not wearing face masks.

Since May, the Uber drivers have been sending masked selfies before picking up their passenger. Before starting to drive passengers or deliver food, they are asked to take a selfie showing their mouth and nose are covered. Now, the same technology will be extended to the passengers too. "If a driver reports to us that a rider wasn’t wearing a mask, the rider will be required to take a selfie with their face covered before they’re able to take another trip with Uber. With the addition of this new feature, one driver’s feedback can help ensure the safety of Uber for the next driver," the company said in a statement on its blog.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-charges-former-uber-security-chief-with-covering-up-massive-2016-hacking-322032">Also read|&nbsp;US charges former Uber security chief with covering up massive 2016 hacking</a>

The feature will be first launched in the&nbsp;US and Canada by the end of September, and across Latin America and other countries later.

In addition to this, Uber is also urging the passengers to follow "Wash, wear, air" policy to ensure that the passengers and the drivers stay safe from the virus. As per the "Wash, wear, air" policy, the riders are urged to wash and/or sanitise their hands properly before boarding the car, wear face masks during the journey and&nbsp;sit in the back seat and roll down the window for airflow.

The popular cab service Uber has decided to take employment safety a notch higher. Since the pandemic began, uber has been making sure that all drivers wear face mask, avoid any close contact and follow all other safety and health precautions to keep the passengers safe and comfortable.

The popular cab service Uber has decided to take employment safety a notch higher. Since the pandemic began, uber has been making sure that all drivers wear face mask, avoid any close contact and follow all other safety and health precautions to keep the passengers safe and comfortable. However, Uber is now worried about its partner drivers. It has come to Uber's notice that a lot of passengers have not been wearing face masks. So, Uber has now decided to roll out a new verification system for passengers. Also watch| California: Uber to continue food delivery services despite rides business forced shut Specific passengers, when requesting the next ride, will be asked to compulsorily send a selfie wearing masks. These passengers will be the ones who have been previously reported by the partner drivers for not wearing face masks. Since May, the Uber drivers have been sending masked selfies before picking up their passenger. Before starting to drive passengers or deliver food, they are asked to take a selfie showing their mouth and nose are covered. Now, the same technology will be extended to the passengers too. "If a driver reports to us that a rider wasn’t wearing a mask, the rider will be required to take a selfie with their face covered before they’re able to take another trip with Uber. With the addition of this new feature, one driver’s feedback can help ensure the safety of Uber for the next driver," the company said in a statement on its blog. Also read| US charges former Uber security chief with covering up massive 2016 hacking The feature will be first launched in the US and Canada by the end of September, and across Latin America and other countries later. In addition to this, Uber is also urging the passengers to follow "Wash, wear, air" policy to ensure that the passengers and the drivers stay safe from the virus. As per the "Wash, wear, air" policy, the riders are urged to wash and/or sanitise their hands properly before boarding the car, wear face masks during the journey and sit in the back seat and roll down the window for airflow.

'It's a two-way street': Uber asks passengers to send masked selfie before booking rides

The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and 11 should wear them on a risk-based approach.

Children aged 12 and over should particularly wear a mask when a one-metre distance from others cannot be guaranteed and there is widespread transmission in the area, the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a document on the WHO website dated Aug. 21.

Whether children between six and 11 should wear masks depends on a number of factors, including the intensity of transmission in the area, the child’s ability to use the mask, access to masks and adequate adult supervision, the two organisations said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-coronavirus-deaths-top-800000-as-nations-ramp-up-measures-322460">Also read:&nbsp;World coronavirus deaths top 800,000 as nations ramp up measures</a>

The potential impact on learning and psycho-social development, and the interactions the child has with people at high risk of developing serious illness, should also play a role.

Children aged five years and under should not be required to wear masks based on the safety and overall interest of the child, the WHO and UNICEF said.

Studies suggest older children potentially play a more active role in transmission of the new coronavirus than younger children, the WHO and UNICEF said, adding more data was needed to better understand the role of children and adolescents in the transmission of the virus, which causes COVID-19.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and 11 should wear them on a risk-based approach.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-tally-crosses-3-million-with-single-day-spike-of-69239-cases-322494">Also read: India's COVID tally crosses 3 million with single-day spike of 69,239 cases</a>

Children aged 12 and over should particularly wear a mask when a one-metre distance from others cannot be guaranteed and there is widespread transmission in the area, the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a document on the WHO website dated Aug. 21.

Whether children between six and 11 should wear masks depends on a number of factors, including the intensity of transmission in the area, the child’s ability to use the mask, access to masks and adequate adult supervision, the two organisations said.

The potential impact on learning and psycho-social development, and the interactions the child has with people at high risk of developing serious illness, should also play a role.

Children aged five years and under should not be required to wear masks based on the safety and overall interest of the child, the WHO and UNICEF said.

Studies suggest older children potentially play a more active role in transmission of the new coronavirus than younger children, the WHO and UNICEF said, adding more data was needed to better understand the role of children and adolescents in the transmission of the virus, which causes COVID-19.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and 11 should wear them on a risk-based approach.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and 11 should wear them on a risk-based approach. Children aged 12 and over should particularly wear a mask when a one-metre distance from others cannot be guaranteed and there is widespread transmission in the area, the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a document on the WHO website dated Aug. 21. Whether children between six and 11 should wear masks depends on a number of factors, including the intensity of transmission in the area, the child’s ability to use the mask, access to masks and adequate adult supervision, the two organisations said. Also read: World coronavirus deaths top 800,000 as nations ramp up measures The potential impact on learning and psycho-social development, and the interactions the child has with people at high risk of developing serious illness, should also play a role. Children aged five years and under should not be required to wear masks based on the safety and overall interest of the child, the WHO and UNICEF said. Studies suggest older children potentially play a more active role in transmission of the new coronavirus than younger children, the WHO and UNICEF said, adding more data was needed to better understand the role of children and adolescents in the transmission of the virus, which causes COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and 11 should wear them on a risk-based approach. Also read: India's COVID tally crosses 3 million with single-day spike of 69,239 cases Children aged 12 and over should particularly wear a mask when a one-metre distance from others cannot be guaranteed and there is widespread transmission in the area, the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a document on the WHO website dated Aug. 21. Whether children between six and 11 should wear masks depends on a number of factors, including the intensity of transmission in the area, the child’s ability to use the mask, access to masks and adequate adult supervision, the two organisations said. The potential impact on learning and psycho-social development, and the interactions the child has with people at high risk of developing serious illness, should also play a role. Children aged five years and under should not be required to wear masks based on the safety and overall interest of the child, the WHO and UNICEF said. Studies suggest older children potentially play a more active role in transmission of the new coronavirus than younger children, the WHO and UNICEF said, adding more data was needed to better understand the role of children and adolescents in the transmission of the virus, which causes COVID-19.

WHO says children aged 12 and over should wear masks like adults

COVID-19 cases are still on the rise in America and several celebrities have used their social media platforms to spread awareness about the precautions one must take.&nbsp; Now, 'Avengers' star Mark Ruffalo has urged everyone to wear masks while stepping out. 
 
The actor urged people to wear masks as he led by an example and posted a picture covering his face. Ruffalo also said that he wears a mask because he cares about other people around him. 
 
The 52-year-old star put out a monochromatic picture of himself on Instagram wherein he exemplified to people that he is also covering his face, with a handkerchief tied on. 
 
In the picture shared by the actor, Ruffalo has seen with his face covered a white handkerchief. It shielded his nose and mouth, as he looks into the camera. 
 
He captioned the image as, "I #WearAMask because I care about other people around me. It`s that simple." The actor also tagged Interiors photographers Pernille Loof and Thomas Loof,(who may have clicked the picture for the star).

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDeBPi7JL9p/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">I #WearAMask because I care about other people around me. It’s that simple. 📸: @pernilleloof &amp; @thomasloof</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/markruffalo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Mark Ruffalo</a> (@markruffalo) on <time datetime="2020-08-04T13:27:44+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 4, 2020 at 6:27am PDT</time>
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Many celebrities including actors Miley Cyrus, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jennifer-aniston-urges-fans-to-wear-a-mask-amid-covid-19-310062">Jennifer Aniston </a>have also commented on the need to wear masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

COVID-19 cases are still on the rise in America and several celebrities have used their social media platforms to spread awareness about the precautions one must take.

COVID-19 cases are still on the rise in America and several celebrities have used their social media platforms to spread awareness about the precautions one must take. Now, 'Avengers' star Mark Ruffalo has urged everyone to wear masks while stepping out. The actor urged people to wear masks as he led by an example and posted a picture covering his face. Ruffalo also said that he wears a mask because he cares about other people around him. The 52-year-old star put out a monochromatic picture of himself on Instagram wherein he exemplified to people that he is also covering his face, with a handkerchief tied on. In the picture shared by the actor, Ruffalo has seen with his face covered a white handkerchief. It shielded his nose and mouth, as he looks into the camera. He captioned the image as, "I #WearAMask because I care about other people around me. It`s that simple." The actor also tagged Interiors photographers Pernille Loof and Thomas Loof,(who may have clicked the picture for the star). View this post on Instagram I #WearAMask because I care about other people around me. It’s that simple. 📸: @pernilleloof & @thomasloof A post shared by Mark Ruffalo (@markruffalo) on Aug 4, 2020 at 6:27am PDT × Many celebrities including actors Miley Cyrus, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, and Jennifer Aniston have also commented on the need to wear masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Mark Ruffalo urges fans to wear masks, posts photo of himself with a handkerchief covering his face

Face masks are an important tool in the fight against coronavirus. This piece of cloth has now become an indispensable part of our lives. Watch report.

The masks, the myths, the controversy: What face masks do against coronavirus?

Coronavirus has forced the whole world to wear a mask to protect themselves from the infectious virus and Japan's robotic startup has come up with an update to the protective gear. Donut Robotics unveiled a new mask called 'C-Mask'. This smart mask will help users connect it with their smartphones so that they could make calls without accessing their phones.

The mask developed by Donut Robotics also includes a speech recognition technology. This will helps people send a text message just by speaking without needing to access their phones at all. But the key objective of this startup was to make a mask that could make interpersonal communication much easier, especially during COVID times when social distancing norms are in place.

The mask is made with plastic and silicone with more pores to the comfort of users.

The mask comes with a special ability, the C Mask will translate Japanese into eight other languages. These languages include &nbsp;Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, English, Spanish, and French. The translation software in the mask was actually created for a robot called Cinnamon.&nbsp;

Cinnamon, was an initiative by the company to provide live translation and speech services for visitors at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, however, the plan could not go ahead due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Users could amplify their voice just in case the person on the receiving end does not hear because of the mask.&nbsp;

The embedded microphone connects to the user's smartphone via Bluetooth, to help conduct voice calls and speech messages.

This mask launch in Japan and 5,000 units will be shipped in September. It will cost around 3,980 Yen ($37).&nbsp;

Coronavirus has forced the whole world to wear a mask to protect themselves from the infectious virus and Japan's robotic startup has come up with an update to the protective gear.

Coronavirus has forced the whole world to wear a mask to protect themselves from the infectious virus and Japan's robotic startup has come up with an update to the protective gear. Donut Robotics unveiled a new mask called 'C-Mask'. This smart mask will help users connect it with their smartphones so that they could make calls without accessing their phones. The mask developed by Donut Robotics also includes a speech recognition technology. This will helps people send a text message just by speaking without needing to access their phones at all. But the key objective of this startup was to make a mask that could make interpersonal communication much easier, especially during COVID times when social distancing norms are in place. The mask is made with plastic and silicone with more pores to the comfort of users. The mask comes with a special ability, the C Mask will translate Japanese into eight other languages. These languages include Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, English, Spanish, and French. The translation software in the mask was actually created for a robot called Cinnamon. Cinnamon, was an initiative by the company to provide live translation and speech services for visitors at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, however, the plan could not go ahead due to the coronavirus pandemic. Users could amplify their voice just in case the person on the receiving end does not hear because of the mask. The embedded microphone connects to the user's smartphone via Bluetooth, to help conduct voice calls and speech messages. This mask launch in Japan and 5,000 units will be shipped in September. It will cost around 3,980 Yen ($37).

Japanese robotic startup launches 'C Mask' that helps you talk in 8 unique languages

From touch-free bag tag printing to biometric boarding, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas has put new measures in place to allow passengers to travel from curb to aircraft while touching as few surfaces as possible.

Masks, fever checks and biometric boarding: new-look air travel in Texas, a coronavirus hot spot

Authorities in Melbourne will make it compulsory to wear a mask in public, according to an announcement on Sunday, as the city steps up its efforts to curb the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-may-be-exaggerated-uk-government-to-pause-daily-updates-314305" hreflang="en">Death toll may be exaggerated: UK government to pause daily updates</a>

Australia's Victoria state which includes the country's second-biggest city has reported 363 cases in the last 24 hours bringing the total active cases to almost 3,000. These cases were reported despite a 10-day lockdown.&nbsp;

According to Premier Daniel Andrews, Melbourne, which is home to 5 million people and its neighbouring Mitchell Shire will be required to wear a mask or other face-covering in public spaces from midnight Wednesday into Thursday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/record-daily-increase-in-global-coronavirus-cases-for-second-day-in-a-row-314375" hreflang="en">Record daily increase in global coronavirus cases for second day in a row</a>

"Most of us wouldn't leave home without our keys, we wouldn't leave our home without our mobile phone," he told a press conference.&nbsp;

"You won't be able to leave home without your mask and then wear it where it is absolutely essential to stop the spread of this virus."

Citizens will be fined $140 if they fail to wear a mask even though Andrews said "common sense" discretion would be applied to activities such as running or visiting a bank.

Bandanas and scarves can be used as an alternative. Andrews said that anything was "better than no face-covering at all".

Melbourne has become the first place in Australia to mandate the use of face-coverings as wearing masks was not common in the country and was not part of its COVID-19 response until now.&nbsp;

Australia has reported almost 12,000 cases of coronavirus country-wide and 122 deaths due to the virus.&nbsp;

(Inputs from AFP)

Authorities in Melbourne will make it compulsory to wear a mask in public, according to an announcement on Sunday, as the city steps up its efforts to curb the coronavirus outbreak.

Authorities in Melbourne will make it compulsory to wear a mask in public, according to an announcement on Sunday, as the city steps up its efforts to curb the coronavirus outbreak. Also read: Death toll may be exaggerated: UK government to pause daily updates Australia's Victoria state which includes the country's second-biggest city has reported 363 cases in the last 24 hours bringing the total active cases to almost 3,000. These cases were reported despite a 10-day lockdown. According to Premier Daniel Andrews, Melbourne, which is home to 5 million people and its neighbouring Mitchell Shire will be required to wear a mask or other face-covering in public spaces from midnight Wednesday into Thursday. Also read: Record daily increase in global coronavirus cases for second day in a row "Most of us wouldn't leave home without our keys, we wouldn't leave our home without our mobile phone," he told a press conference. "You won't be able to leave home without your mask and then wear it where it is absolutely essential to stop the spread of this virus." Citizens will be fined $140 if they fail to wear a mask even though Andrews said "common sense" discretion would be applied to activities such as running or visiting a bank. Bandanas and scarves can be used as an alternative. Andrews said that anything was "better than no face-covering at all". Melbourne has become the first place in Australia to mandate the use of face-coverings as wearing masks was not common in the country and was not part of its COVID-19 response until now. Australia has reported almost 12,000 cases of coronavirus country-wide and 122 deaths due to the virus. (Inputs from AFP)

'Essential to stop virus': Australia's second-biggest city makes mask-wearing compulsory in public

In the wake of the latest surge in the coronavirus cases in the United States, Facebook said it will remind users to wear masks to contain the spread of coronavirus.

"With the rise in COVID-19 cases in the US, we're putting an alert at the top of Facebook and Instagram to remind everyone to wear face coverings," the company said in a statement. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebooks-avatars-allows-users-in-india-to-create-own-digital-profile-309831">Also Read: Facebook's Avatars allows users in India to create own digital profile</a>

The social media platform will also include additional prevention tips and links to public health agencies in its COVID-19 Information Center.

Joining the chorus, Twitter too encouraged users to wear face masks with a sarcastic tweet. Twitter said the feature, which would allow users to edit their tweets, will be rolled out once everyone starts wearing face masks. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/read-before-retweeting-twitter-aims-to-limit-sharing-unread-articles-307770">Also Read: Read before retweeting: Twitter aims to limit sharing unread articles</a> 
 
"You can have an edit button when everyone wears a mask," said a tweet from the official Twitter account,

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You can have an edit button when everyone wears a mask
— Twitter (@Twitter) <a href="https://twitter.com/Twitter/status/1278763679421431809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday reported 2,679,230 cases of new coronavirus, an increase of 54,357 cases from its previous count, and said that the number of deaths had risen by 725 to 128,024.

Meanwhile, India’s coronavirus infections surpassed 600,000 on Thursday, with 17,834 deaths. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

In the wake of the latest surge in the coronavirus cases in the United States, Facebook said it will remind users to wear masks to contain the spread of coronavirus.

In the wake of the latest surge in the coronavirus cases in the United States, Facebook said it will remind users to wear masks to contain the spread of coronavirus. "With the rise in COVID-19 cases in the US, we're putting an alert at the top of Facebook and Instagram to remind everyone to wear face coverings," the company said in a statement. Also Read: Facebook's Avatars allows users in India to create own digital profile The social media platform will also include additional prevention tips and links to public health agencies in its COVID-19 Information Center. Joining the chorus, Twitter too encouraged users to wear face masks with a sarcastic tweet. Twitter said the feature, which would allow users to edit their tweets, will be rolled out once everyone starts wearing face masks. Also Read: Read before retweeting: Twitter aims to limit sharing unread articles "You can have an edit button when everyone wears a mask," said a tweet from the official Twitter account, You can have an edit button when everyone wears a mask — Twitter (@Twitter) July 2, 2020 × The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday reported 2,679,230 cases of new coronavirus, an increase of 54,357 cases from its previous count, and said that the number of deaths had risen by 725 to 128,024. Meanwhile, India’s coronavirus infections surpassed 600,000 on Thursday, with 17,834 deaths. (With inputs from agencies)

Facebook, Twitter encourage people to wear masks

All ASI protected monuments will be reopened for the public from July 6 with entry only through e-tickets, a cap on the number of visitors and mandatory wearing of masks, the culture ministry said on Thursday.

Earlier in June, the ministry had reopened 820 monuments out of the over 3,000 ASI-maintained monuments where religious events take place.

As many as 3,691 Centrally-protected monuments and archaeological sites maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) were shut from March 17 in view of the coronavirus crisis.

The minister said all coronavirus-related protocols issued by the Union health ministry would be followed by the monument authorities.

In a tweet, Culture Minister Prahlad Patel said, "I have taken a decision along with the ministry of culture and the ASI to open all monuments from July 6."

This, however, will be done with the compliance of the state and district administration. 
The culture ministry issued a set of protocols, saying only those monuments which are in non-containment zones will be reopened.

Entry tickets shall be issued by e-mode and only e-payments will be acceptable at the monument parking and cafeteria.

"There will be a cap on the number of visitors in select monuments... The visitors shall follow social distancing. The use of face cover/mask is mandatory. Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene and thermal scanning provisions. Only asymptomatic persons are allowed.&nbsp;

There shall be designated routes for entry &amp; exit and movement within the monument," according to the standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the ministry.

The visiting hours have been divided into two slots with visitors at most monuments being capped at 1000 per slot depending upon the footfall they receive, the SOP said.

While the visitors at Taj Mahal in Agra have been capped at 2500 per slot, at Delhi's Qutub Minar and Red Fort, a maximum of 1500 visitors will be allowed per slot.

At the Agra Fort in Agra and Sun Temple in Bhubneshwar, visitors have been capped at 1200-1300 per slot.

At the entrance of every monument /site, all visitors shall share their phone numbers with the person designated for the purpose by the ASI to help in contact tracing if and when required.

The ASI can restrict access to vulnerable and interior parts of any monument while visitors shall be asked to stick to the time limits inside the monument, as far as possible, the ministry said.

No group photography and food or eatables shall be allowed inside the premises, it said.

"Cleaning and sanitisation of monuments and museums including toilet blocks, benches and frequently used surfaces shall be done at regular intervals," it said.

According to sources, the culture ministry will also open it museums from July 6.&nbsp;

All ASI protected monuments will be reopened for the public from July 6 with entry only through e-tickets, a cap on the number of visitors and mandatory wearing of masks, the culture ministry said on Thursday.

All ASI protected monuments will be reopened for the public from July 6 with entry only through e-tickets, a cap on the number of visitors and mandatory wearing of masks, the culture ministry said on Thursday. Earlier in June, the ministry had reopened 820 monuments out of the over 3,000 ASI-maintained monuments where religious events take place. As many as 3,691 Centrally-protected monuments and archaeological sites maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) were shut from March 17 in view of the coronavirus crisis. The minister said all coronavirus-related protocols issued by the Union health ministry would be followed by the monument authorities. In a tweet, Culture Minister Prahlad Patel said, "I have taken a decision along with the ministry of culture and the ASI to open all monuments from July 6." This, however, will be done with the compliance of the state and district administration. The culture ministry issued a set of protocols, saying only those monuments which are in non-containment zones will be reopened. Entry tickets shall be issued by e-mode and only e-payments will be acceptable at the monument parking and cafeteria. "There will be a cap on the number of visitors in select monuments... The visitors shall follow social distancing. The use of face cover/mask is mandatory. Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene and thermal scanning provisions. Only asymptomatic persons are allowed. There shall be designated routes for entry & exit and movement within the monument," according to the standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the ministry. The visiting hours have been divided into two slots with visitors at most monuments being capped at 1000 per slot depending upon the footfall they receive, the SOP said. While the visitors at Taj Mahal in Agra have been capped at 2500 per slot, at Delhi's Qutub Minar and Red Fort, a maximum of 1500 visitors will be allowed per slot. At the Agra Fort in Agra and Sun Temple in Bhubneshwar, visitors have been capped at 1200-1300 per slot. At the entrance of every monument /site, all visitors shall share their phone numbers with the person designated for the purpose by the ASI to help in contact tracing if and when required. The ASI can restrict access to vulnerable and interior parts of any monument while visitors shall be asked to stick to the time limits inside the monument, as far as possible, the ministry said. No group photography and food or eatables shall be allowed inside the premises, it said. "Cleaning and sanitisation of monuments and museums including toilet blocks, benches and frequently used surfaces shall be done at regular intervals," it said. According to sources, the culture ministry will also open it museums from July 6.

ASI monuments to be reopened from July 6; visitors to be capped, masks mandatory

American Airlines barred a passenger from travelling after removing him from a flight for his&nbsp;refusal&nbsp;to wear a mask.

Brandon Straka, a conservative activist, narrated the incident on Twitter on Wednesday, saying that it is not a federal law and when he told the same thing to the crew members, he was removed from the flight.&nbsp;

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I was just removed from my flight for not wearing a mask. 1st time this has happened. Not a federal law. <a href="https://twitter.com/AmericanAir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmericanAir</a> staff standing over me telling me it’s THE LAW. So much for “please respect those who can not wear a mask”. When I pointed out this wasn’t a law I was removed.
— Brandon Straka (@BrandonStraka) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandonStraka/status/1273295136429084672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He also tweeted that after he was removed, the flight manager told him: "they made a mistake. They had no right to ask you that."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uae-airlines-operating-charter-flights-for-repatriation-of-stranded-indians-306497">UAE airlines operating charter flights for repatriation of stranded Indians</a>

He later tweeted that he received death threats on social media to people whom he accused as "another arm of the left’s rageful mob".

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The past 24 hrs has proven conclusively to me what I already knew. I have been inundated with death threats, attacks on social media &amp; email. None of these ppl have asked if I there’s a reason why I couldn’t wear the mask. They are just another arm of the left’s rageful mob.
— Brandon Straka (@BrandonStraka) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandonStraka/status/1273638849902596097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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An airline spokesperson confirmed the incident which happened at the New York's LaGuardia Airport when Strata boarded a flight to Dallas.&nbsp;

However, he added that the version described initially by Strata is not correct and by Thursday evening, the conservative activist was suspended to fly with American Airlines.&nbsp;

"Restricting travel is a step we take very seriously, and it will only occur after a comprehensive review of the facts of an incident. Mr. Straka will be permitted to fly with us once face coverings are no longer required for customers," American Airlines said in an e-mail reply, reported The Washington Post.&nbsp;

Strata, who the New York Times described as an "ardent" Trump supporter, also replied "sanity" when he was asked by a flight attendant as to why he was not wearing a mask.&nbsp;

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Flight Attendant: Excuse me, sir, do you have a condition that prevents you from wearing a mask? 
 
Me: Yes. 
 
Flight Attendant: May I ask what that is? 
 
Me: Sanity.
— Brandon Straka (@BrandonStraka) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandonStraka/status/1273286317548470273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In the US, there is no federal law on mandatory wearing of face masks on flights, however, all the major US airlines have been enforcing these rules since mid-May.&nbsp;

American Airlines barred a passenger from travelling after removing him from a flight for his refusal to wear a mask. Brandon Straka, a conservative activist, narrated the incident on Twitter on Wednesday, saying that it is not a federal law and when he told the same thing to the crew members, he was removed from the flight.

American Airlines barred a passenger from travelling after removing him from a flight for his refusal to wear a mask. Brandon Straka, a conservative activist, narrated the incident on Twitter on Wednesday, saying that it is not a federal law and when he told the same thing to the crew members, he was removed from the flight. I was just removed from my flight for not wearing a mask. 1st time this has happened. Not a federal law. @AmericanAir staff standing over me telling me it’s THE LAW. So much for “please respect those who can not wear a mask”. When I pointed out this wasn’t a law I was removed. — Brandon Straka (@BrandonStraka) June 17, 2020 × He also tweeted that after he was removed, the flight manager told him: "they made a mistake. They had no right to ask you that." Also read | UAE airlines operating charter flights for repatriation of stranded Indians He later tweeted that he received death threats on social media to people whom he accused as "another arm of the left’s rageful mob". The past 24 hrs has proven conclusively to me what I already knew. I have been inundated with death threats, attacks on social media & email. None of these ppl have asked if I there’s a reason why I couldn’t wear the mask. They are just another arm of the left’s rageful mob. — Brandon Straka (@BrandonStraka) June 18, 2020 × An airline spokesperson confirmed the incident which happened at the New York's LaGuardia Airport when Strata boarded a flight to Dallas. However, he added that the version described initially by Strata is not correct and by Thursday evening, the conservative activist was suspended to fly with American Airlines. "Restricting travel is a step we take very seriously, and it will only occur after a comprehensive review of the facts of an incident. Mr. Straka will be permitted to fly with us once face coverings are no longer required for customers," American Airlines said in an e-mail reply, reported The Washington Post. Strata, who the New York Times described as an "ardent" Trump supporter, also replied "sanity" when he was asked by a flight attendant as to why he was not wearing a mask. Flight Attendant: Excuse me, sir, do you have a condition that prevents you from wearing a mask? Me: Yes. Flight Attendant: May I ask what that is? Me: Sanity. — Brandon Straka (@BrandonStraka) June 17, 2020 × In the US, there is no federal law on mandatory wearing of face masks on flights, however, all the major US airlines have been enforcing these rules since mid-May.

American Airlines bans conservative activist after he refused to wear masks

Spanish Health Minister Salvador Illa on Tuesday said that wearing masks in the country will be compulsory until the coronavirus pandemic has been wiped off once and for all.&nbsp;

He said the guidelines for the coronavirus will remain enforced despite the end of state emergency on June 12. He said, "It will remain in place until we permanently defeat the virus, which is when we have an effective treatment or vaccine against it".&nbsp;

Spain has forced people over the age of six to wear a mask since May 21. The country has asked its citizens to maintain a two-metre distance for security purposes.&nbsp;

Fines up to 100 euros ($113) have been introduced by the government to ensure the measure remains in place after the lockdown ends.&nbsp;

According to the new guidelines, the security distance will reduce to 1.5 metres.&nbsp;

Earlier, wearing masks were limited to those who were travelling in public transport in early May but it was expanded after the virus killed 27,000 people in the country.&nbsp;

With the epidemic now well under control, Spain has been easing out of its mid-March lockdown in a staged process due to finish by June 21, with the country to open its international borders from July 1.&nbsp;

Mask wearing is not compulsory for very young children although it is "recommended" for those between three and five.

(Inputs from AFP)

Spanish Health Minister Salvador Illa on Tuesday said that wearing masks in the country will be compulsory until the coronavirus pandemic has been wiped off once and for all.

Spanish Health Minister Salvador Illa on Tuesday said that wearing masks in the country will be compulsory until the coronavirus pandemic has been wiped off once and for all. He said the guidelines for the coronavirus will remain enforced despite the end of state emergency on June 12. He said, "It will remain in place until we permanently defeat the virus, which is when we have an effective treatment or vaccine against it". Spain has forced people over the age of six to wear a mask since May 21. The country has asked its citizens to maintain a two-metre distance for security purposes. Fines up to 100 euros ($113) have been introduced by the government to ensure the measure remains in place after the lockdown ends. According to the new guidelines, the security distance will reduce to 1.5 metres. Earlier, wearing masks were limited to those who were travelling in public transport in early May but it was expanded after the virus killed 27,000 people in the country. With the epidemic now well under control, Spain has been easing out of its mid-March lockdown in a staged process due to finish by June 21, with the country to open its international borders from July 1. Mask wearing is not compulsory for very young children although it is "recommended" for those between three and five. (Inputs from AFP)

Wearing masks will be compulsory in Spain until virus gets eradicated: Health Minister

Researchers at IIT Mandi claim to have developed a technology for making high efficiency masks using waste pet bottles that are not only more breathable than commercially available masks but also can be washed and reused up to 30 times.

The team at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi has also filed a patent for the waste plastic bottles derived filter membrane technology based on electrospinning.

The researchers shredded waste plastic bottles and dissolved the pieces using a combination of solvents and extruded nanofibres from the solution.

According to Sumit Sinha Ray, Assistant Professor, IIT Mandi, the team used waste plastic bottles to develop a single thin layer of nano-nonwoven membrane that provides desirable particle filtration efficiency, at par with N95 respirator and a medical mask.

"The first concern that comes to mind when we hear that something is made of plastic is whether it is safe to use. These nanofibres meet the safety requirements of the user by excluding the bacteria and infectious components. The breathability in the developed masks is better than the commercially available masks.

"At the laboratory scale, the material cost for the mask was around Rs 25 per piece. However, during the commercial manufacturing stage, its cost will be nearly halved. The mask can be washed and reused up to 30 times," Ray told PTI.

"Nanofibres can do wonders for masks. Air-borne particulate and pollutant removal efficiency and breathability are the two main criteria for efficient masks. Commercially available melt blown fabric-based masks can be efficient at a cost of high breathing resistance, whereas generic three-ply surgical masks are breathable but have meagre efficiency. Nanofibres based masks can filter out small particles effectively despite being comfortably breathable," he explained.

The team claimed that the masks will not require any separate protocol to be followed for their disposal than the standard hygiene measures.

Ashish Kakoria, a research scholar at the institute and one of the team members, said, "These ultrafine fibres allow less resistance in airflow due to a unique phenomenon called 'slip flow' which improves breathability. Moreover, the thrown away PET bottles can be put to good use using this technique."

The coronavirus pandemic has mandated the use of masks by people to avoid contracting the infection.

India registered its highest single-day spike of COVID-19 cases for the fifth consecutive day on Sunday, with 9,971 new infections taking the country's tally to 2,46,628, while the death toll rose to 6,929, according to the Union Health Ministry.

The country registered 287 deaths in the last 24 hours since Saturday morning.

India had raced past Spain on Saturday to become the fifth worst-hit nation by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, only the US, Brazil, Russia and the UK are ahead of it.

Researchers at IIT Mandi claim to have developed a technology for making high efficiency masks using waste pet bottles that are not only more breathable than commercially available masks but also can be washed and reused up to 30 times.

Researchers at IIT Mandi claim to have developed a technology for making high efficiency masks using waste pet bottles that are not only more breathable than commercially available masks but also can be washed and reused up to 30 times. The team at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi has also filed a patent for the waste plastic bottles derived filter membrane technology based on electrospinning. The researchers shredded waste plastic bottles and dissolved the pieces using a combination of solvents and extruded nanofibres from the solution. According to Sumit Sinha Ray, Assistant Professor, IIT Mandi, the team used waste plastic bottles to develop a single thin layer of nano-nonwoven membrane that provides desirable particle filtration efficiency, at par with N95 respirator and a medical mask. "The first concern that comes to mind when we hear that something is made of plastic is whether it is safe to use. These nanofibres meet the safety requirements of the user by excluding the bacteria and infectious components. The breathability in the developed masks is better than the commercially available masks. "At the laboratory scale, the material cost for the mask was around Rs 25 per piece. However, during the commercial manufacturing stage, its cost will be nearly halved. The mask can be washed and reused up to 30 times," Ray told PTI. "Nanofibres can do wonders for masks. Air-borne particulate and pollutant removal efficiency and breathability are the two main criteria for efficient masks. Commercially available melt blown fabric-based masks can be efficient at a cost of high breathing resistance, whereas generic three-ply surgical masks are breathable but have meagre efficiency. Nanofibres based masks can filter out small particles effectively despite being comfortably breathable," he explained. The team claimed that the masks will not require any separate protocol to be followed for their disposal than the standard hygiene measures. Ashish Kakoria, a research scholar at the institute and one of the team members, said, "These ultrafine fibres allow less resistance in airflow due to a unique phenomenon called 'slip flow' which improves breathability. Moreover, the thrown away PET bottles can be put to good use using this technique." The coronavirus pandemic has mandated the use of masks by people to avoid contracting the infection. India registered its highest single-day spike of COVID-19 cases for the fifth consecutive day on Sunday, with 9,971 new infections taking the country's tally to 2,46,628, while the death toll rose to 6,929, according to the Union Health Ministry. The country registered 287 deaths in the last 24 hours since Saturday morning. India had raced past Spain on Saturday to become the fifth worst-hit nation by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, only the US, Brazil, Russia and the UK are ahead of it.

IIT researchers develop technology for making high efficiency masks from waste plastic bottles

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No fans, masks, social distancing: Bundesliga begins after nearly two months

Many countries might impose few penalties to punish people for not wearing facemasks but these Arab nations have taken this punishment to another level.&nbsp;

Kuwait and Qatar have decided to jail and impose hefty fines on people who forget to wear masks to fight the novel coronavirus.&nbsp;

According to Kuwait's health ministry, a defaulter might face up to three months of imprisonment, whereas, Qatar's state television reported that the punishment could last up to three years of a prison sentence.&nbsp;

Not only this, these countries have also decided to impose heavy fines too. In Kuwait, the maximum fine stood at 5,000 dinars ($16,200) and in Qatar, it stood approximately three times the amount that is 200,000 riyals ($55,000).

Six of these gulf states have reported 137,400 cases of coronavirus with 693 casualties. The region initially faced these cases due to people with travel history but the problem began to inculcate as the virus spread was noticed among the low-income migrant workers in cramped quarters.

Out of all cases in the Gulf, Saudi Arabia, with a population of around 30 million people, has the largest count at more than 54,700 cases with 312 deaths. Followed by Qatar, a nation of some 2.8 million, has the second-highest infection count at above 32,600, with 15 deaths.

In terms of death, the UAE recorded the second most deaths with 220. The country recorded over 23,350 cases.&nbsp;

Many countries might impose few penalties to punish people for not wearing facemasks but these Arab nations have taken this punishment to another level. Kuwait and Qatar have decided to jail and impose hefty fines on people who forget to wear masks to fight the novel coronavirus.

Many countries might impose few penalties to punish people for not wearing facemasks but these Arab nations have taken this punishment to another level. Kuwait and Qatar have decided to jail and impose hefty fines on people who forget to wear masks to fight the novel coronavirus. According to Kuwait's health ministry, a defaulter might face up to three months of imprisonment, whereas, Qatar's state television reported that the punishment could last up to three years of a prison sentence. Not only this, these countries have also decided to impose heavy fines too. In Kuwait, the maximum fine stood at 5,000 dinars ($16,200) and in Qatar, it stood approximately three times the amount that is 200,000 riyals ($55,000). Six of these gulf states have reported 137,400 cases of coronavirus with 693 casualties. The region initially faced these cases due to people with travel history but the problem began to inculcate as the virus spread was noticed among the low-income migrant workers in cramped quarters. Out of all cases in the Gulf, Saudi Arabia, with a population of around 30 million people, has the largest count at more than 54,700 cases with 312 deaths. Followed by Qatar, a nation of some 2.8 million, has the second-highest infection count at above 32,600, with 15 deaths. In terms of death, the UAE recorded the second most deaths with 220. The country recorded over 23,350 cases.

You'll be punished if you don't wear a mask in Kuwait and Qatar

American President Donald Trump has not been spotted wearing&nbsp;face mask even once during the past few months when coronavirus has taken over the world.

The issue was raised, and the President was trolled and criticized, majorly when he visited the Honeywell plant in Arizona few weeks back. Honeywell plant, which was earlier an&nbsp;aerospace plant in Phoenix, has started producing masks&nbsp;in recent months as the country faced a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE).&nbsp;

Donald Trump, on his visit to examine the operation, was spotted without a mask in the mask-producing factory. Although, he claimed he wore a mask backstage. This raised the question of why does the American President not wear a mask.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fast-and-safely-donald-trump-comes-in-support-for-elon-musks-fremont-factory-298366">Also read:&nbsp;'Fast and safely': Donald Trump comes in support for Elon Musk's Fremont factory</a>

Donald Trump is not alone in this. Not wearing a mask seems to be a subtle representation of Trump's administration. Vice President Mike Pence was criticized for not wearing a mask during his tour of the Mayo Clinic in April.

When the nationwide lockdown was initiated, a lot of Americans scrambled on the streets to protest against the lockdown, asking for their lives back. Majority of these protestors, who took over the roads and the beaches, were spotted without masks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-approval-rating-dips-currently-trails-behind-biden-polls-298359">Also read:&nbsp;Donald Trump's approval rating dips, currently trails behind Biden: Polls</a>

The absence of masks from these protests and the official tours hints towards the underlying problem of racial discrimination and&nbsp;prejudices. Wearing a mask was earlier, especially in the US, associated with Asian communities. Asian Americans have faced various racial attacks and slurs for wearing a mask.

Later, as the masks became important and compulsory, a lot of cities got complaints of police targeting Black minority groups for 'covering their faces', when they were wearing masks. These men, who were simply following the protocol of social distancing, were profiled as criminals.

Trump has not been known to bite his tongue when it comes to blaming China for spreading coronavirus in the world. In a recent press conference, when an Asian-American journalist asked Trump a question, he responded back saying "Don't ask me, ask China" and ended the press conference saying the said reporter asked a "nasty" question.

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Trump storms out of coronavirus press conference after getting called out for a racist comment to an Asian American reporter. Kudos to CNN’s ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/kaitlancollins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kaitlancollins</a>⁩ who let the reporter follow up with Trump over his racist question. <a href="https://t.co/NQySU4P4NH">pic.twitter.com/NQySU4P4NH</a>
— John Aravosis 🇺🇸🇬🇷🏳️‍🌈 (@aravosis) <a href="https://twitter.com/aravosis/status/1259956800645992448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Another reason why Americans have refused to listen to the health experts, is the show of 'manliness'. It has been observed that a&nbsp;lot of Americans associate wearing masks to weakness. They feel it is a sign of being weak. They like to believe that coronavirus is not an issue and everything in the world is normal. Coronavirus, according to them, is simply a small virus which has been hyped by the media. In order to prove their manliness, Americans feel it is necessary that they do not show any sign of weakness, which would include succumbing to the guidelines of health experts.

It is not only men who feel this way. Women, too, have been spotted outdoors without masks. They, too, have joined the protests and feel wearing a mask is a sign of weakness, and that everything is normal.&nbsp;

The fact that the US is one of the worst-hit countries by the deadly coronavirus pandemic points at the problematic current trend of Americans not wearing masks. It is always said that the citizens follow their ruler. Sadly, in this case, Donald Trump, has not been able to set the right example.

American President Donald Trump has not been spotted wearing face mask even once during the past few months when coronavirus has taken over the world. The issue was raised, and the President was trolled and criticized, majorly when he visited the Honeywell plant in Arizona few weeks back.

American President Donald Trump has not been spotted wearing face mask even once during the past few months when coronavirus has taken over the world. The issue was raised, and the President was trolled and criticized, majorly when he visited the Honeywell plant in Arizona few weeks back. Honeywell plant, which was earlier an aerospace plant in Phoenix, has started producing masks in recent months as the country faced a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Donald Trump, on his visit to examine the operation, was spotted without a mask in the mask-producing factory. Although, he claimed he wore a mask backstage. This raised the question of why does the American President not wear a mask. Also read: 'Fast and safely': Donald Trump comes in support for Elon Musk's Fremont factory Donald Trump is not alone in this. Not wearing a mask seems to be a subtle representation of Trump's administration. Vice President Mike Pence was criticized for not wearing a mask during his tour of the Mayo Clinic in April. When the nationwide lockdown was initiated, a lot of Americans scrambled on the streets to protest against the lockdown, asking for their lives back. Majority of these protestors, who took over the roads and the beaches, were spotted without masks. Also read: Donald Trump's approval rating dips, currently trails behind Biden: Polls The absence of masks from these protests and the official tours hints towards the underlying problem of racial discrimination and prejudices. Wearing a mask was earlier, especially in the US, associated with Asian communities. Asian Americans have faced various racial attacks and slurs for wearing a mask. Later, as the masks became important and compulsory, a lot of cities got complaints of police targeting Black minority groups for 'covering their faces', when they were wearing masks. These men, who were simply following the protocol of social distancing, were profiled as criminals. Trump has not been known to bite his tongue when it comes to blaming China for spreading coronavirus in the world. In a recent press conference, when an Asian-American journalist asked Trump a question, he responded back saying "Don't ask me, ask China" and ended the press conference saying the said reporter asked a "nasty" question. Trump storms out of coronavirus press conference after getting called out for a racist comment to an Asian American reporter. Kudos to CNN’s ⁦@kaitlancollins⁩ who let the reporter follow up with Trump over his racist question. pic.twitter.com/NQySU4P4NH — John Aravosis 🇺🇸🇬🇷🏳️‍🌈 (@aravosis) May 11, 2020 × Another reason why Americans have refused to listen to the health experts, is the show of 'manliness'. It has been observed that a lot of Americans associate wearing masks to weakness. They feel it is a sign of being weak. They like to believe that coronavirus is not an issue and everything in the world is normal. Coronavirus, according to them, is simply a small virus which has been hyped by the media. In order to prove their manliness, Americans feel it is necessary that they do not show any sign of weakness, which would include succumbing to the guidelines of health experts. It is not only men who feel this way. Women, too, have been spotted outdoors without masks. They, too, have joined the protests and feel wearing a mask is a sign of weakness, and that everything is normal. The fact that the US is one of the worst-hit countries by the deadly coronavirus pandemic points at the problematic current trend of Americans not wearing masks. It is always said that the citizens follow their ruler. Sadly, in this case, Donald Trump, has not been able to set the right example.

Donald Trump's refusal to wear masks hints towards racism and masculinity in America

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