Shops, pubs and hotels vow to axe masks on Freedom Day
3 years, 5 months ago

Shops, pubs and hotels vow to axe masks on Freedom Day

The Telegraph  

Pubs, restaurants and hotels employing more than 200,000 people have vowed to scrap compulsory face coverings on Freedom Day, risking a clash with unions who warned the move could put staff at risk. High street stalwarts including Revolution Bars and Young's Pub Group have said they will ditch the requirement for customers and employees to wear masks in their English sites from July 19, just hours after Boris Johnson announced that hospitality businesses will no longer legally have to enforce face coverings past that date. Revolution boss Rob Pritcher said many of the bar group's customers are under 30 years of age and therefore at greatly reduced risk of serious illness. Sainsbury's boss Simon Roberts hinted the chain will not impose restrictions and said that it is weighing up "two very distinct points of view" among customers and staff.

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History of this topic

Could L.A. enforce antimasking laws for protesters? Experts weigh in
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Could L.A. enforce antimasking laws for protesters? Experts weigh in

LA Times  

Some protesters wore masks during a demonstration outside Adas Torah synagogue in Pico-Robertson on June 23. “There’s no clear answer to antimasking laws,” because governing bodies must take into consideration the protection of anonymous free speech, said Barry McDonald, a law professor at Pepperdine University who focuses on 1st Amendment law. However, drafting a city ordinance that bans mask wearing …

Gov. Hochul considering a face mask ban on New York City subways, citing antisemitic acts
6 months, 1 week ago

Gov. Hochul considering a face mask ban on New York City subways, citing antisemitic acts

Associated Press  

ALBANY, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul said Thursday that she is considering a ban on face masks in the New York City subway system due to concerns about people shielding their identities while committing antisemitic acts. On one train, a man who was not wearing a mask led a small group in chanting “Raise your hands if you’re a Zionist” …

During the 2023 holiday season, face masks have settled in as an occasional feature of American life
1 year ago

During the 2023 holiday season, face masks have settled in as an occasional feature of American life

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The scene: A crowded shopping center in the weeks before Christmas. “I always carry one with me,” she says, “‘cause I never know.” Joe Holtz, co-founder and general manager at Brooklyn’s Park Slope Co-Op grocery store, walks the store’s isles where a policy requires shoppers to mask-up Wednesdays and Thursdays, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in New York. …

Expert who has never caught Covid tells Aussies to wear face masks every time they leave the house - amid fresh mandate in one state
1 year, 1 month ago

Expert who has never caught Covid tells Aussies to wear face masks every time they leave the house - amid fresh mandate in one state

Daily Mail  

A leading epidemiologist who has never caught Covid-19 has advised Australians to wear face masks every time they leave the house to avoid catching the virus. Dr Zoe Hyde,who has never caught Covid-19 has advised Australians to wear face masks every time they leave the house if they want to stay Covid-free A recent surge in Covid-19 cases - Australia's …

Opinion: Really, In-N-Out? A mask ban for employees?
1 year, 5 months ago

Opinion: Really, In-N-Out? A mask ban for employees?

LA Times  

Since news leaked out this week that In-N-Out, the $3 billion hamburger empire, will next month start enforcing an outright ban against employees choosing to mask at work, don’t feel alone if your first reaction was pure confusion. The company claims its motivation is good customer service, demanding “clear and effective communication” while showing off an employee’s “smiles and other …

This city had world's longest Covid mask mandate. Now scrapped after 1,000 days
1 year, 9 months ago

This city had world's longest Covid mask mandate. Now scrapped after 1,000 days

Hindustan Times  

Hongkongers will finally be able to leave home without a face mask from Wednesday, nearly 1,000 days after the pandemic mandate was imposed. Pedestrians wearing protective Covid mask Hong Kong was one of the last places on Earth to enforce mask-wearing outside, with violators facing hefty fines. "Making it illegal not to wear one is frankly anachronistic by now," University …

Queensland's COVID-19 mandate for masks on public transport to be scrapped
2 years, 3 months ago

Queensland's COVID-19 mandate for masks on public transport to be scrapped

ABC  

Queensland is ending the requirement for people to wear face masks while on public transport. Key points: The rule will be relaxed for staff and commuters from midnight The Health Minister asked the public to respect those who chose to continue wearing masks Masks will still be required in vulnerable settings, by close contacts and those who have left just …

Covid-19 task force recommends restoration of mask mandate
2 years, 6 months ago

Covid-19 task force recommends restoration of mask mandate

Hindustan Times  

Mumbai: Amid a surge in Covid-19 cases, the state Covid-19 task force has recommended that the state government make masks mandatory mask in crowded and poorly ventilated public places. Following Covid-19 appropriate behaviour will also help in combating other airborne diseases like tuberculosis,” said Dr Kedar Toraskar, critical care specialist and member of the state Covid-19 task force. In Wockhardt …

CDC to significantly ease pandemic mask guidelines Friday
2 years, 10 months ago

CDC to significantly ease pandemic mask guidelines Friday

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration will significantly loosen federal mask-wearing guidelines to protect against COVID-19 transmission on Friday, according to two people familiar with the matter, meaning most Americans will no longer be advised to wear masks in indoor public settings. The change comes as nearly all U.S. states that had put in place indoor mask-wearing mandates for the winter …

New face covering rules — face masks in London, in hospitals and where else?
2 years, 10 months ago

New face covering rules — face masks in London, in hospitals and where else?

The Telegraph  

While the wearing of face masks has not been compulsory in England since Plan B measures came to an end on January 27 2021, as of Thursday 24 February, it is no longer mandatory to wear them on TFL services in London either. Face masks have also not been mandatory in shops since the end of Plan B in England …

Transport for London drops mandatory face mask rule
2 years, 10 months ago

Transport for London drops mandatory face mask rule

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. But having considered the government’s approach towards “living with the virus” and a “variety …

Mandatory mask rules to be eased in Victoria ahead of weekend
2 years, 10 months ago

Mandatory mask rules to be eased in Victoria ahead of weekend

ABC  

The Victorian government has announced people will be able to remove their masks in most indoor settings this weekend. Key points: Masks will only be required in some settings including public transport, hospitals and primary schools from midnight Friday The recommendation for people to work or study from home is being removed The health minister has extended the deadline for …

Later closing times for restaurants, theaters as more Covid measures relax
2 years, 10 months ago

Later closing times for restaurants, theaters as more Covid measures relax

NL Times  

The coronavirus measures will relax again on Friday. People infected with the coronavirus no longer have to isolate for seven days from Friday, but only for at least five days. They're advised to keep wearing a face mask and stay 1.5 meters away from other people for another five days. Coronavirus access passes will no longer be required, except at …

Companies revert to more normal operations as COVID wanes
2 years, 10 months ago

Companies revert to more normal operations as COVID wanes

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — For the first time in two years for many people, the American workplace is transforming into something that resembles pre-pandemic days. That’s a stark reversal from just weeks ago when the omicron variant of COVID-19 was peaking, prompting companies to double-down on mask requirements and enforce daily health screenings while delaying return-to-office plans for remote workers. Brian …

As Hijab Row Snowballs in Karnataka, A Look at Nations that have Made Face Veils an Offence
2 years, 10 months ago

As Hijab Row Snowballs in Karnataka, A Look at Nations that have Made Face Veils an Offence

News 18  

Protests for and against the?hijab? News18 February 8, 2022 As the controversy heats up, here’s a look at countries that have banned face coverings, including hijabs, burqas, full face helmets and balaclavas. FRANCE In 2011, France banned face coverings with “Law of 2010-1192: Act prohibiting concealment of the face in public space”. SRI LANKA The country’s Cabinet cleared a proposal …

Editorial: Hey, politicians, if you make a rule you’ve got to follow it too
2 years, 10 months ago

Editorial: Hey, politicians, if you make a rule you’ve got to follow it too

LA Times  

Gavin Newsom answered questions at a press conference in Los Angeles County Monday about the photos in which he was maskless at SoFi Stadium the day before. Gavin Newsom’s maskless night out at the French Laundry in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic should have been a lesson absorbed by politicians throughout California: People expect government officials to follow …

Schools in England reinstate mask wearing rules in classrooms after surge in Covid cases
2 years, 10 months ago

Schools in England reinstate mask wearing rules in classrooms after surge in Covid cases

Daily Mail  

A number of schools are reinstating rules for pupils to wear facemasks after a surge in Covid cases, despite Government guidance last week which ended the requirement. Children wearing facemasks during a lesson at Outwood Academy in Woodlands, Doncaster Hailsham Community College in East Sussex is one of a number of schools who have reinstated face masks in the classroom …

Covid norms go for toss at Hyderabad\'s markets, shopping zones
2 years, 11 months ago

Covid norms go for toss at Hyderabad\'s markets, shopping zones

Deccan Chronicle  

HYDERABAD: In a blatant violation of safety norms amid community transmission of Covid-19, people continue to come out in public places without wearing masks. With the onset of the Sankranti holiday season, Rythu Bazaars, markets and shopping zones are attracting thousands of people. The Covid safety precautions went for a toss with a large chunk of people not wearing masks …

'One in three Indians don't carry masks when stepping out'
3 years ago

'One in three Indians don't carry masks when stepping out'

Firstpost  

The latest survey was conducted by digital community based platform LocalCircles in April and it received more than 25,000 responses from citizens residing in 364 districts of India. New Delhi: Mask compliance continues to remain at its lowest in India despite concerns over detection of Omicron variant in the country, with only 2 percent of surveyed citizens saying that people …

Train passengers express mixed views on return of face masks
3 years ago

Train passengers express mixed views on return of face masks

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “I never wear them,” the 52-year-old told PA. “They don’t work, they’re just a …

Face masks compulsory in England shops, transport from Tuesday
3 years ago

Face masks compulsory in England shops, transport from Tuesday

Live Mint  

Face coverings will become a compulsory requirement in shops and public transport in England from Tuesday, the UK government said on Sunday as part of the tighter COVID-19 curbs being enforced in response to two cases of the new Omicron variant detected in the country. Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the requirement of compulsory PCR tests to be taken by …

Face masks are back, more working at home, as Dutch bring back anti-Covid rules
3 years, 1 month ago

Face masks are back, more working at home, as Dutch bring back anti-Covid rules

Dutch News  

The Netherlands is bringing in new measures to control coronavirus in a bid to reverse the sharp rise in new cases, and tougher rules are also in the pipeline if there is no improvement. The new plans were outlined by ministers at a press conference on Tuesday evening, shortly after officials raised the risk level to ‘severe’ now that the …

Face masks are back, more working at home, as Dutch bring back anti-Covid rules
3 years, 1 month ago

Face masks are back, more working at home, as Dutch bring back anti-Covid rules

Dutch News  

The Netherlands is bringing in new measures to control coronavirus in a bid to reverse the sharp rise in new cases, and tougher rules are also in the pipeline if there is no improvement. The new plans were outlined by ministers at a press conference on Tuesday evening, shortly after officials raised the risk level to ‘severe’ now that the …

Face masks will be mandatory in supermarkets and shops: Sources
3 years, 1 month ago

Face masks will be mandatory in supermarkets and shops: Sources

NL Times  

The use of face masks will again be required in the supermarket and other stores. The shops will be considered publicly accessible indoor spaces, and will thus be subject to the same face mask mandates expected to take effect from Friday, government sources confirmed following a report in De Telegraaf. Measures will be announced on Tuesday evening during a press …

Jacob Rees-Mogg and Therese Coffey among unmasked on Tory frontbench during Budget
3 years, 1 month ago

Jacob Rees-Mogg and Therese Coffey among unmasked on Tory frontbench during Budget

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. While Boris Johnson did not wear a face mask during Prime Minister’s Questions earlier on …

Face mask use in adults in their 30s and 40s has risen consistently for eight weeks, data shows
3 years, 2 months ago

Face mask use in adults in their 30s and 40s has risen consistently for eight weeks, data shows

Daily Mail  

More and more adults in their 30s and 40s are choosing to wear face masks on buses and trains amid spiralling Covid cases, official data suggests. The lines show the percentage of people who said they wore face masks on public transport, out of those who said they had worn a face mask in the week before they were questioned. …

Pub owner calls NSW's Freedom Day 'segregation day', refuses to keep unvaccinated patrons out
3 years, 2 months ago

Pub owner calls NSW's Freedom Day 'segregation day', refuses to keep unvaccinated patrons out

Daily Mail  

A regional pub is being watched by cops after it vowed to defy public health orders which only allows them to serve fully-vaccinated customers, with its owner rebranding 'Freedom Day' as 'Segregation Day'. The Caledonian Hotel in Singleton in the NSW Hunter Valley, has defiantly opened its doors without checking the vaccination status of patrons since Monday Its owner rebranded …

Face mask, social distancing still mandatory at test and vaccination sites
3 years, 3 months ago

Face mask, social distancing still mandatory at test and vaccination sites

NL Times  

People must continue to keep 1.5 meters away from each other at coronavirus test and Covid-19 vaccination locations, even after Saturday. In addition, they must wear face masks, even though those rules no longer apply to most other locations in the rest of the country. With a distance of 1.5 meters and the use of face masks, "we are keeping …

Facemasks on public transport should stay, says health minister
3 years, 3 months ago

Facemasks on public transport should stay, says health minister

Dutch News  

Caretaker health minister Hugo de Jonge has said facemasks on public transport should not be scrapped because the danger to vulnerable people would be too great. Last week, Dutch rail director Marjan Rintel said obligatory mask wearing on public transport is becoming ‘difficult to explain’ when people are told to wear masks on the train but not at a shopping …

Facemasks on public transport should stay, says health minister
3 years, 3 months ago

Facemasks on public transport should stay, says health minister

Dutch News  

Caretaker health minister Hugo de Jonge has said facemasks on public transport should not be scrapped because the danger to vulnerable people would be too great. Last week, Dutch rail director Marjan Rintel said obligatory mask wearing on public transport is becoming ‘difficult to explain’ when people are told to wear masks on the train but not at a shopping …

Scrapping face masks on public transit will affect vulnerable people, Health Min. says
3 years, 3 months ago

Scrapping face masks on public transit will affect vulnerable people, Health Min. says

NL Times  

There are some major drawbacks to scrapping the coronavirus rule that people have to wear a face mask when using public transport, Health Minister Hugo de Jonge said on Friday in response NS director Marjan Rintel calling for that to happen earlier this week, NOS reports. According to De Jonge, scrapping the face mask rule will make many people feel …

TSA extends into January mask rule for airline passengers
3 years, 4 months ago

TSA extends into January mask rule for airline passengers

Associated Press  

Federal officials are extending into January a requirement that people on airline flights and public transportation wear face masks, a rule intended to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Federal Aviation Administration said Tuesday that airlines have reported 3,889 incidents involving unruly passengers this year, and 2,867 — or 74% — involved refusing to wear a mask. Individual airlines declined …

Not wearing a face mask on the Tube should be a CRIMINAL offence says Sadiq Khan
3 years, 4 months ago

Not wearing a face mask on the Tube should be a CRIMINAL offence says Sadiq Khan

Daily Mail  

Sadiq Khan has said that failing to wear a face mask on the Tube should become a criminal offence. Sadiq Khan has said that failing to wear a face mask on the Tube should become a criminal offence unless people are exempt This means TfL staff can tell non-compliant customers to leave a bus or train but are powerless to …

Freedom Day face mask confusion looms as legal requirement to wear them ends
3 years, 5 months ago

Freedom Day face mask confusion looms as legal requirement to wear them ends

The Telegraph  

To add to the confusion, some operators have said they expect passengers to wear masks on trains regardless of how busy a service is, while others require it only if a carriage is crowded. A spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group said: "Passengers should follow the government guidance and, as a courtesy to others, wear face coverings if an indoor …

Mask usage drastically declining since Covid restrictions were relaxed: Health ministry
3 years, 5 months ago

Mask usage drastically declining since Covid restrictions were relaxed: Health ministry

India Today  

The overall usage of masks in India has seen a drastic decline ever since Covid-related restrictions were relaxed, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday. Cautioning people against being relaxed towards Covid-19, Lav Agarwal said Google's mobility index data shows that there has been an increase in public mobility between May and July. It is important that as we move …

How the idea of wearing a mask has gone through phases of acceptance and resistance since the Spanish Flu
3 years, 5 months ago

How the idea of wearing a mask has gone through phases of acceptance and resistance since the Spanish Flu

Firstpost  

The World Health Organisation in no uncertain terms makes it clear that masks should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission and save lives. It was reminiscent of the fourteen portraits printed on the front page of the Chronicle in November 1918 showing a group of “beaming” faces freed from gauze masks: the revellers …

MP’s want Covid access tests to return soon; No face mask demand planned
3 years, 5 months ago

MP’s want Covid access tests to return soon; No face mask demand planned

NL Times  

A parliamentary majority wants the Testing for Access system for festivals and events to be reinstated as soon as possible. The events sector needs perspective and the cabinet therefore has to clarify before August 13 how the test system can be resumed "safely and responsibly", the VVD, D66, and CDA said in a motion filed during a parliamentary debate on …

Sainsbury's urges shoppers to keep wearing masks
3 years, 5 months ago

Sainsbury's urges shoppers to keep wearing masks

The Telegraph  

Sainsbury’s is to encourage customers continue to wear face masks in its stores after they stop being legally required on Monday. The supermarket said it will also keep Perspex screens between customers and staff at checkouts, hand sanitiser stations in stores and maintain thorough hygiene procedures, including deep cleaning overnight. We’re asking everyone to be considerate and, while we understand …

Watch: Boris Johnson's mixed messages over Freedom Day on July 19
3 years, 5 months ago

Watch: Boris Johnson's mixed messages over Freedom Day on July 19

The Telegraph  

Boris Johnson has confirmed that the Government plans to lift Covid restrictions in England on July 19. “What we want to do is for people to exercise their personal responsibility but remember the value in face masks both in protecting themselves and others.” On Monday, the Prime Minister said ministers now "expect" people to wear face masks in crowded areas. …

Welcome to Scotland ... now please put on your mask
3 years, 5 months ago

Welcome to Scotland ... now please put on your mask

The Telegraph  

Passengers on cross-border trains and buses will be free to ditch face masks in England but legally obliged to put them on as soon as they enter Scotland. However, the legal obligation to wear masks on public transport and other settings will remain in force north of the border until at least August 9 - Scotland’s "Freedom Day" - and …

Telegraph readers on whether they will wear a face mask from July 19: 'I feel safe without a mask'
3 years, 5 months ago

Telegraph readers on whether they will wear a face mask from July 19: 'I feel safe without a mask'

The Telegraph  

Boris Johnson is today expected to tell the country to use personal judgement when it comes to wearing face masks when restrictions are lifted on July 19. Telegraph readers have had their say on whether face masks should be left to personal responsibility, and whether they will continue to wear face coverings once they are no longer mandatory. 'Those who …

Use your judgment on masks, Boris Johnson urges public
3 years, 5 months ago

Use your judgment on masks, Boris Johnson urges public

The Telegraph  

Boris Johnson will tell the public on Monday that they will no longer be bound by Covid laws on face masks and social distancing but should instead exercise their own “judgment” when restrictions are lifted on July 19. However, despite scrapping compulsory face masks, The Telegraph understands people will still be told in government guidance they should consider wearing a …

Face masks will be a ‘personal choice’ in England, says UK minister
3 years, 5 months ago

Face masks will be a ‘personal choice’ in England, says UK minister

CNN  

CNN — Face masks are set to become a “personal choice” in England with the further easing of coronavirus restrictions, a senior UK government minister said Sunday. Tolga Akmen/AFP/Getty Images Javid said the “rules that we have had to put in place have caused a shocking rise in domestic violence and a terrible impact on so many people’s mental health.” …

Service Workers Shouldn’t Have to Wear Masks for Customers’ Comfort
54 years, 11 months ago

Service Workers Shouldn’t Have to Wear Masks for Customers’ Comfort

Slate  

If you’ve eaten at a restaurant during the pandemic, whether indoors or out, you’ve probably seen this happen: A server approaches a table of diners to check on their meals or deliver the check. Wegmans announced on May 19 that fully vaccinated customers were no longer required to wear masks in the store, while fully vaccinated employees must continue to …

Editorial: It’s OK to keep your mask on even when you don’t have to
3 years, 6 months ago

Editorial: It’s OK to keep your mask on even when you don’t have to

LA Times  

Californians who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are no longer required to wear a face covering in most settings now that the state has lifted pandemic restrictions. The risk of infection is very low for vaccinated people, but it’s not zero and they can pass it on to others who are not yet fully inoculated. Many people in Asian societies …

Mandatory face mask rule could be abolished next week, Heath Minister says
3 years, 6 months ago

Mandatory face mask rule could be abolished next week, Heath Minister says

NL Times  

The rule obligating people to wear face masks in many indoor public spaces in the Netherlands could disappear as early as next week, Health Minister Hugo de Jonge said after a meeting of ministers on Wednesday. The final decision will be made on Friday prior to the next prime time coronavirus press conference, he told reporters gathered outside. The decision …

Mask Or No Mask? Confusion Persists As Businesses Decide On Policies
3 years, 7 months ago

Mask Or No Mask? Confusion Persists As Businesses Decide On Policies

NPR  

Mask Or No Mask? Confusion Persists As Businesses Decide On Policies Enlarge this image toggle caption Michelle Jokisch Polo/WKAR Michelle Jokisch Polo/WKAR Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Michigan has been at the center of the mask-wearing debate, and it intensified after hundreds of residents flooded the Michigan State Capitol to protest the governor's stay-at-home orders and mask mandates. …

Store mask policies are a mess and nearly impossible to enforce
3 years, 7 months ago

Store mask policies are a mess and nearly impossible to enforce

CNN  

New York CNN Business — Vaccinated shoppers and workers can ditch their masks at Walmart, Target and Home Depot, except where local laws require masks in stores. A patchwork system of mask policies has emerged at large retail chains in the United States in the wake of CDC guidance last week that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear …

As cafes and museums reopen in France, citizens long to experience 'ultimate freedom' to live mask-free
3 years, 7 months ago

As cafes and museums reopen in France, citizens long to experience 'ultimate freedom' to live mask-free

Firstpost  

Museums, cinemas and theatres are also reopening after being closed for more than six months, during which they relied chiefly on state aid to remain afloat. But with the weather service forecasting showers across much of the country — possibly even snow in the Alps — and most venues allowed to use only half of their outdoor seating, some of …

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