Amidst the panic-driven state of all industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people who simply cannot work from home are being under risk as they head out to work everyday.

E-commerce is one such industry. With calls for people to stay inside, the pressure on online shopping for essential supplies increases.

Even though the World Health Organisation claims that face masks are not efficient in preventing the virus, the head of the Chinese Centers of Disease and Control claimed that countries need to tell all their citizens to wear masks.

Statistically also, countries that have enforced mask-wearing are performing better in terms of containment efforts.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-your-protective-gear-causing-coronavirus-cross-contamination-290823" hreflang="en">Is your protective gear causing coronavirus cross-contamination?</a>

Austria and Slovenia recently made wearing masks compulsory.

Advisories to wear masks were issued in Czech Republic, with the US state of New York advising citizens to wear them.

Marks &amp; Spencer recently issued plastic face shields to protect employees.&nbsp;

Another big retail giant to join in is Amazon. Recently, the company told The Daily Telegraph that it had sourced “million of masks” for employees. Starting next week, every employee will don a mask.

Many are left wondering how places like Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea have been able to contain the virus more effectively besides being so close to the epicentre&nbsp;- Wuhan in China.

Countries that advised against using masks, like Italy, Spain, France, and now the US have been hit hard, with many reporting over 1000 deaths a day during the virus’ peak.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-5g-waves-do-not-transmit-coronavirus-290786">No, 5G waves do not transmit coronavirus!</a>

In the UK alone, almost 5,000 are dead, and over 47,000 positive cases.

The US has reported over 8,000 deaths and 311,600 confirmed cases.

The total death toll in countries like South Korea, Japan, and Singapore stands at only 260, tremendously lower than Western countries, and with a bigger population!

Even if the masks may not be helping with protection, they most definitely act as a barrier between the infected and the uninfected. So a person who may not show symptoms but is infected may spread it to others without a mask, but by wearing it, the person is protecting people around them.

The virus spreads primarily through droplets that released into the air while coughing and sneezing. Additionally, new research claims that even talking and breathing around infected people can spread the virus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imask-apple-starts-producing-protective-facial-gear-to-help-with-coronavirus-crisis-290773" hreflang="en">iMask? Apple starts producing protective facial gear to help with coronavirus crisis</a>

Amidst the panic-driven state of all industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people who simply cannot work from home are being under risk as they head out to work everyday.

Amidst the panic-driven state of all industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people who simply cannot work from home are being under risk as they head out to work everyday. E-commerce is one such industry. With calls for people to stay inside, the pressure on online shopping for essential supplies increases. Even though the World Health Organisation claims that face masks are not efficient in preventing the virus, the head of the Chinese Centers of Disease and Control claimed that countries need to tell all their citizens to wear masks. Statistically also, countries that have enforced mask-wearing are performing better in terms of containment efforts. Also read: Is your protective gear causing coronavirus cross-contamination? Austria and Slovenia recently made wearing masks compulsory. Advisories to wear masks were issued in Czech Republic, with the US state of New York advising citizens to wear them. Marks & Spencer recently issued plastic face shields to protect employees. Another big retail giant to join in is Amazon. Recently, the company told The Daily Telegraph that it had sourced “million of masks” for employees. Starting next week, every employee will don a mask. Many are left wondering how places like Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea have been able to contain the virus more effectively besides being so close to the epicentre - Wuhan in China. Countries that advised against using masks, like Italy, Spain, France, and now the US have been hit hard, with many reporting over 1000 deaths a day during the virus’ peak. Also read: No, 5G waves do not transmit coronavirus! In the UK alone, almost 5,000 are dead, and over 47,000 positive cases. The US has reported over 8,000 deaths and 311,600 confirmed cases. The total death toll in countries like South Korea, Japan, and Singapore stands at only 260, tremendously lower than Western countries, and with a bigger population! Even if the masks may not be helping with protection, they most definitely act as a barrier between the infected and the uninfected. So a person who may not show symptoms but is infected may spread it to others without a mask, but by wearing it, the person is protecting people around them. The virus spreads primarily through droplets that released into the air while coughing and sneezing. Additionally, new research claims that even talking and breathing around infected people can spread the virus. Also read: iMask? Apple starts producing protective facial gear to help with coronavirus crisis

E-commerce giants issue face masks for employees, but is it an effective barrier?

New York city nurses took to the streets to protest against the medical supply shortage in the city. They protested in front of their hospital in Bronx and demanded immediate supply of personal protective equipments. Watch report:

Fineprint: New York nurses demand COVID-19 medical supplies, Asked to re-use masks & gloves

Nurses protest against poor working conditions | New York | COVID-19

Italy has locked down much of the country's north over the Coronavirus outbreak. South Korea has introduced a new policy for purchasing masks. This report tells you how different countries are fighting the Wuhan virus.

Gravitas: The Global Battle against Wuhan Coronavirus

Pakistan has left its citizens in the lurch. 150 Pakistanis are stranded in China with their visas expired. Meanwhile, the Chinese regime has deployed 'sharp-tongued' drones to remind people to wear masks. WION's Palki gets you the latest on the Coronavirus outbreak.

China's deadly virus: Pak citizens appeal for help | Gravitas

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

Gravitas: Wuhan virus triggers a shortage of face masks

A government ban on demonstrators wearing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-airlines-slash-flights-to-hong-kong-as-unrest-escalates-262832">face masks</a>, aimed at helping to quell months of pro-democracy unrest in Hong Kong, is unconstitutional, the territory's high court ruled Monday.

"The restrictions it imposes on fundamental rights... go further than is reasonably necessary... and therefore fail to meet the proportionality test," the court said, according to a press summary.

The ban on face-covering came into force in October, when the city's unelected pro-Beijing leader invoked colonial-era legislation for the first time in more than 50 years.

The move was seen as a watershed legal moment for the city since its 1997 return by Britain to China&nbsp;but has been largely symbolic.

Demonstrators,&nbsp;most of them wearing masks,&nbsp;have continued to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-set-fire-to-hold-off-police-at-university-campus-262783">clash with police</a>, often violently, as they press their demands for greater democracy for Hong Kong, as well as an independent inquiry into alleged brutality by the increasingly unpopular police force.

A government ban on demonstrators wearing face masks, aimed at helping to quell months of pro-democracy unrest in Hong Kong, is unconstitutional, the territory's high court ruled Monday.

A government ban on demonstrators wearing face masks, aimed at helping to quell months of pro-democracy unrest in Hong Kong, is unconstitutional, the territory's high court ruled Monday. "The restrictions it imposes on fundamental rights... go further than is reasonably necessary... and therefore fail to meet the proportionality test," the court said, according to a press summary. The ban on face-covering came into force in October, when the city's unelected pro-Beijing leader invoked colonial-era legislation for the first time in more than 50 years. The move was seen as a watershed legal moment for the city since its 1997 return by Britain to China but has been largely symbolic. Demonstrators, most of them wearing masks, have continued to clash with police, often violently, as they press their demands for greater democracy for Hong Kong, as well as an independent inquiry into alleged brutality by the increasingly unpopular police force.

Ban on wearing face masks restricts fundamental rights, rules Hong Kong high court

Thousands of Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters marched in the city centre on Friday ahead of reported plans by the city’s embattled leader to deploy emergency powers to ban people from wearing masks in a bid to quash four months of anti-government demonstrations.

HKG protesters rally against possible mask ban

In a first in international cricket, play in the third Test between India and Sri Lanka was halted three times because of pollution.&nbsp;

The first stoppage lasted 15 minutes.&nbsp;

The second stoppage lasted two minutes.&nbsp;

After the third stoppage, captain Virat Kohli declared India&#39;s first innings at 536 for 7 to get the Lankans off the field.&nbsp;

A number of Sri Lanka players were also seen wearing masks while fielding.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Delhi Pollution Live update. <a href="https://t.co/eKVktElVGt">pic.twitter.com/eKVktElVGt</a>
&mdash; Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) <a href="https://twitter.com/Trendulkar/status/937214992910356480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Is this a first? Sri Lankan cricketers were wearing masks on the field during the 3rd <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSL</a> Test match in Delhi, India. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Smog?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Smog</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pollution?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pollution</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ebhs1ZeE6t">pic.twitter.com/Ebhs1ZeE6t</a>
&mdash; Island Cricket (@IslandCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/IslandCricket/status/937211426615320576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Play was halted the first time after Sri Lankan paceman Lahiru Gamage began to look ill while bowling.

And at one point the Sri Lankans were even short of players after he and fellow fast bowler Suranga Lakmal returned to the pavilion.

India&#39;s Virat Kohli and Murali Vijay top scored with 243 and 155, while Sri Lanka&#39;s Lakshan Sandakan got four wickets for 167 runs.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-becomes-first-captain-to-score-six-double-ton-25723" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;Kohli hits double ton, becomes </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-becomes-first-captain-to-score-six-double-ton-25723" target="_blank">first</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-becomes-first-captain-to-score-six-double-ton-25723" target="_blank"> captain to score 6 Test double centuries</a>

This is not the first time a cricket match has been stopped in Delhi.&nbsp;

Last November, two Ranji trophy matches were stopped -- one at the Feroze Shah Kotla and the other at Karnail Singh Stadium -- again because of pollution.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Captain Virat Kohli declared India's first innings at 536 for 7 after the third stoppage to get the Lankans off the field

In a first in international cricket, play in the third Test between India and Sri Lanka was halted three times because of pollution. The first stoppage lasted 15 minutes. The second stoppage lasted two minutes. After the third stoppage, captain Virat Kohli declared India's first innings at 536 for 7 to get the Lankans off the field. A number of Sri Lanka players were also seen wearing masks while fielding. Delhi Pollution Live update. pic.twitter.com/eKVktElVGt — Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) December 3, 2017 × Is this a first? Sri Lankan cricketers were wearing masks on the field during the 3rd #INDvSL Test match in Delhi, India. #Smog #Pollution pic.twitter.com/Ebhs1ZeE6t — Island Cricket (@IslandCricket) December 3, 2017 × Play was halted the first time after Sri Lankan paceman Lahiru Gamage began to look ill while bowling. And at one point the Sri Lankans were even short of players after he and fellow fast bowler Suranga Lakmal returned to the pavilion. India's Virat Kohli and Murali Vijay top scored with 243 and 155, while Sri Lanka's Lakshan Sandakan got four wickets for 167 runs. Also read: Kohli hits double ton, becomes first captain to score 6 Test double centuries This is not the first time a cricket match has been stopped in Delhi. Last November, two Ranji trophy matches were stopped -- one at the Feroze Shah Kotla and the other at Karnail Singh Stadium -- again because of pollution.

3rd Test: Pollution halts play three times, Lanka players wear masks while fielding

Want to breathe long and deep? Longing for that whiff of fresh air, so elusive in Delhi-NCR?

Just head to the Oxygen Chamber that offers you oodles of clean air, and it&#39;s free.

That the Oxygen Chamber is next to the Huda City Metro station, crowded and chaotic with lots of people inside and lots of traffic outside, makes the contrast starker.

Built by Nurturing Green, the Oxygen Chamber is a welcome break in a city where masks and air purifiers are increasingly the norm as air pollution levels fluctuate between severe, very poor and poor.

Equipped with an air purifier and NASA approved air purifying plants such as areca palm, peace lily and sansevieria trifasciata (also known as mother-in-law&#39;s tongue or snake plant), the place, spread over 13,000 sq ft, is a treat for the eyes, and, more important, for the lungs.

&quot;The NASA approved air purifying plants available in the Oxygen Chamber absorb harmful gases like xylene, benzene, formaldehyde and CO2 to bring freshness indoors,&quot; Nurture Green Founder Annu Grover told PTI. &quot;We are practically breathing poison,&quot; she said.

So, enter the chamber and levels of PM (particulate matter) 2.5 and 10 - microscopic particles that can enter and embed deep into the lungs and subsequently the bloodstream, get into a free-fall, making a safe and pollution-free landing at 8-10 from the hazardous 300-400.

There&#39;s&nbsp;a catch, however. The chamber also has an electronic air purifier.

&#39;&#39;These air purifying plants are not there to replace the air purifiers. No. We are saying that both complement each other. It works like this. The air purifying plants absorb the harmful gases, while the electronic air purifier takes care of your PM level,&#39;&#39; said Nikhil Grover, senior marketing manager of the company.

Using medical analogy, he said an electronic air purifier works like &#39;allopathy&#39; and the air purifying plants are somewhat close to &#39;homoeopathy&#39;.

According to him, it would cost Rs 15,000-20,000 to build an oxygen chamber in a home.

The place also sells all kinds of green plants, indoor and outdoor, as well as theme-based garden and balcony furniture, among a host of other things.

Built by Nurturing Green, the Oxygen Chamber next to the Huda City Metro station is equipped with an air purifier and NASA approved air purifying plants such as areca palm, peace lily and sansevieria trifasciata

Want to breathe long and deep? Longing for that whiff of fresh air, so elusive in Delhi-NCR? Just head to the Oxygen Chamber that offers you oodles of clean air, and it's free. That the Oxygen Chamber is next to the Huda City Metro station, crowded and chaotic with lots of people inside and lots of traffic outside, makes the contrast starker. Built by Nurturing Green, the Oxygen Chamber is a welcome break in a city where masks and air purifiers are increasingly the norm as air pollution levels fluctuate between severe, very poor and poor. Equipped with an air purifier and NASA approved air purifying plants such as areca palm, peace lily and sansevieria trifasciata (also known as mother-in-law's tongue or snake plant), the place, spread over 13,000 sq ft, is a treat for the eyes, and, more important, for the lungs. "The NASA approved air purifying plants available in the Oxygen Chamber absorb harmful gases like xylene, benzene, formaldehyde and CO2 to bring freshness indoors," Nurture Green Founder Annu Grover told PTI. "We are practically breathing poison," she said. So, enter the chamber and levels of PM (particulate matter) 2.5 and 10 - microscopic particles that can enter and embed deep into the lungs and subsequently the bloodstream, get into a free-fall, making a safe and pollution-free landing at 8-10 from the hazardous 300-400. There's a catch, however. The chamber also has an electronic air purifier. ''These air purifying plants are not there to replace the air purifiers. No. We are saying that both complement each other. It works like this. The air purifying plants absorb the harmful gases, while the electronic air purifier takes care of your PM level,'' said Nikhil Grover, senior marketing manager of the company. Using medical analogy, he said an electronic air purifier works like 'allopathy' and the air purifying plants are somewhat close to 'homoeopathy'. According to him, it would cost Rs 15,000-20,000 to build an oxygen chamber in a home. The place also sells all kinds of green plants, indoor and outdoor, as well as theme-based garden and balcony furniture, among a host of other things.

Oxygen Chamber in Gurugram; much-needed respite from pollution

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