MASKS

Photographs from every continent except Antarctica show birds nesting or tangled in rubbish.

Pick up some N95 masks from 3M, Kimberly-Clark, Honeywell and more. Plus, we found great KN95 masks for kids.

Pick up some fresh N95 masks from Amazon and Honeywell.

Health officials continue to recommend that Americans wear masks on planes, trains and buses, despite a court ruling last month that struck down a national mask mandate.

Boston has urged people to start wearing masks, and the Biden administration is weighing its next legal step in a court fight over the abrupt end of the national mask mandate on airplanes and mass transit.

An end to the mask mandate for domestic airports and airlines?

N95 face masks are getting more affordable. Here's where to get the real deal, plus how to get free N95s.

Americans who have been clamoring for an end to mask-wearing have welcomed new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlined the new set of measures for...

Starting this week, the masks are coming off for vaccinated visitors to Walt Disney World in Florida.

Vaccinated guests will be required to wear masks on Disney transportation, but they won't have to wear them on rides or in other indoor locations.

Vanderbilt's Dr. Peter Rebeiro tells Newsy how to extend the practical life of your masks in the face of Omicron.

Vanderbilt's Dr. Peter Rebeiro tells Newsy how to extend the practical life of your masks in the face of Omicron.

The CDC updated its website to say N95 and KN95 masks offer higher levels of protection than cloth masks, although it stopped short of recommending them for everyone.

Universal Orlando is reinstating its mask requirements beginning Christmas Eve as COVID-19 cases are surging as a result of the omicron variant

Wearing two face masks during the pandemic may be an effective way to protect yourself against the virus.

Students say the new Omicron variant is making them extra-cautious as they go home for Christmas.

Intensive care beds are full, patients wait outside and vaccination rates are among Europe's lowest.

Research says surgical masks and KN95s are more effective than homemade cloth masks. Here's what experts say about the differences, and when to wear each.

It’s long past time for an upgrade.

To mask or not to mask is a question that’s framed many a conversation about the return to school.  While Texas does not require school districts to mandate masks, some districts have instituted one.  Pearland ISD is among the districts to follow TEA guidelines and not require them.  A group of Pearland ISD parents who favor masks have come together with a compromise they say will help – at least at lunchtime: outdoor benches for students to eat lunch.

Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection cited seven businesses between last Thursday and Sunday for failing to follow the city’s indoor mask mandate, according to a Tuesday news release.

Travelers who refuse to wear masks could now face up to $3,000 in fines.

After more than a year of attending church virtually, Monique Allen has struggled to explain to her asthmatic daughter why people from their congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints don’t wear masks. Church leaders recently issued their strongest statement yet urging people to “limit the spread” by getting COVID-19 vaccines and wearing masks, but Allen said she fears it’s still not enough to convince the many families in her congregation who refuse to wear masks and have succumbed to anti-vaccine misinformation. Members of the faith widely known as the Mormon church remain deeply divided on vaccines and mask-wearing despite consistent guidance from church leaders as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus spreads.

A nation more divided than ever? Experts weigh in on what we can do

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) on Tuesday announced a new statewide outdoor mask mandate requiring people to wear masks in most outdoor settings regardless of vaccination status.State of play: Starting Friday, Oregonians will be required to wear masks outdoors when physical distancing is not possible. While the mandate does not apply to outdoor gatherings in private residences, masks are "strongly recommended" when people from different households cannot remain socially distanced. Get market news wo

Three weeks into the school year, thousands of students and staff across the Atlanta metro have had to quarantine after being exposed to COVID, according to one estimate.

Three weeks into the school year, thousands of students and staff across the Atlanta metro have had to quarantine after being exposed to COVID, according to one estimate.

A Fort Bend County District Judge granted a temporary injunction Thursday against Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order that prohibits county, city, and school districts officials from imposing mask mandates.

Two teachers at Austin-area schools are experiencing a not-so-pleasant start to the school year after being physically assaulted and verbally attacked by parents.

The family argues masks make it safer for their immunocompromised daughter to attend school.

The family argues masks make it safer for their immunocompromised daughter to attend school.

Governor Greg Abbott has the numbers on his side when it comes to the Texas Supreme Court and his executive order instituting mask mandates, according to KPRC 2 Legal Analyst Brian Wice,

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced Thursday a health order requiring masks in schools and childcare centers.

Following a reversal of guidelines regarding mask-wearing made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), multiple U.S. retailers and food chains have announced they’re reinstating their mask policies.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo discussed her support for Houston ISD Superintendent Millard House II Tuesday on his desire to have a mask mandate for the district, as well as her feelings about Gov. Greg Abbott.

Louisiana on Monday reinstated a mask mandate in all indoor locations, including schools and colleges, as the state struggles with a fast-growing fourth surge of COVID-19 driven by the delta variant and one of the nation’s lowest vaccination rates.

Democrats are overwhelmingly buying into new and strict COVID mandates out of Washington, with two-in-three endorsing vaccines and mandatory masks — even for the vaccinated.

Disney World and Disneyland announced that they will require masks indoors again starting at the end of July, according to the company’s website.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is asking all vaccinated residents in Harris County to mask up again due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in the community.

A Florida school board voted Wednesday to require all students and faculty to wear masks inside schools for the fall semester, a policy at odds with Gov. Ron DeSantis's stance against making face covers compulsory.

Masks had started to disappear from store shelves but they may be front and center again.

For a few glorious weeks, Wall Street employees who were vaccinated against Covid-19 could ditch their masks at the office. That's ending.

Apple gained a reputation during the Covid-19 pandemic for making evidence-based decisions about where and when it was safe to operate its retail stores.

The BMA doctors' union says it is "scandalous" staff working in the pandemic were put at risk.

Reversing earlier guidance, the agency will likely encourage indoor masking for fully vaccinated people under certain circumstances.

N95 masks may be especially important for people who are unvaccinated or othwerise vulnerable to severe covid-19 disease.

The governor’s mandate requiring masks for students and staff in K-8 schools will worsen staff shortages. (Letters to the Editor)

During a live interview on KPRC 2 News at 5, Gov. Greg Abbott said despite the rise in COVID-19 cases in the US, he will not impose another mask mandate.

Friends want to repay reader’s kindnesses, but their dinner invitation raises concerns.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the number of pediatric Covid-19 cases has doubled in the last few weeks.

Masks will no longer be legally required in taxis, on buses or trains when coronavirus restrictions are eased in England next week.

The flight cancellation meant smaller vacations for some passengers

When the unvaccinated see people in public without masks, they will surely stop wearing theirs. This puts the public's health at risk.

Public health experts are discussing the potential benefits of wearing masks even after the coronavirus pandemic has ended. What are the benefits and drawbacks?

The new guidance is for day camps and overnight camps.

Kids at summer camps can skip wearing masks outdoors, with some exceptions.

Government officials are asking people at cyclone shelters to wear double masks and practice social distancing.

GOP lawmakers want the rules on masks on Capitol Hill to be changed, despite uncertainty regarding their vaccine status.

After more than a year of working out at home, people are ready to head back to the gym as mask requirements are lifted in parts of the U.S.

Nation's largest supermarket chain says those immunized against COVID-19 will no longer have to cover their faces.

Walmart, Costco, and Starbucks among retailers not requiring shoppers to wear masks where permitted by local laws.

The CDC has said fully vaccinated people generally don't need to wear masks. But if you're planning to fly, you still have to mask up.

Not everyone is giving up wearing a face mask despite the latest government guidance that means fully vaccinated Americans can uncover their faces in many cases.

Many Houston-area school districts are adjusting their mask requirements, as COVID-19 vaccines are becoming more widespread, including the authorization to allow children as young as 12 to receive the vaccination.

Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Chicago area and the rest of Illinois.

More than 170,000 counterfeit N95 face masks were seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Houston Seaport.

LEAGUE CITY, Texas – An arrest warrant has been issued for a 53-year-old man who police say stabbed a Jack in the Box assistant store manager multiple times after refusing to wear a face mask. On Wednesday, League City police responded to reports of an aggravated assault at the Jack in the Box restaurant located at 1503 W. League City Parkway around 8:10 p.m. The assistant manager was stabbed three times in the arm and upper torso, police said. The assistant store manager was transported to the hospital where he was treated and released. Anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts is asked to contact the League City Police Department.

An Uber sticker is seen on a car windshield on the street in downtown Miami on January 9, 2020. (Photo by Eva Marie UZCATEGUI / AFP) (Photo by EVA MARIE UZCATEGUI/AFP via Getty Images)An Uber driver was attacked by passengers in his car after he ended the ride because they did not want to wear a mask. A dashcam video showing the passengers coughing at the driver and assaulting him has surfaced online, going viral across social media. According to Fox 10, the incident occurred Sunday afternoon in San Francisco where a mask mandate requires rideshare passengers to wear a face covering. According to Fox 10, police say one of the women pepper-sprayed the driver as they got out of the car.

LIBERTY COUNTY, Texas – Starting Wednesday, students and teachers at Tarkington ISD were not required to wear a mask at schools. Noel has three children in third, fourth and seventh grades at Tarkington ISD schools. The school board voted to make masks optional after asking the parents in a poll. Humble ISD has made changes saying students under 10 years old do not have to mask up. “Hopefully, they’ll have some common sense and understanding that people still need to wear their masks because it’s still a pandemic out here,” said Fred Fisher.

HOUSTON – Masks will no longer be mandatory at Texas businesses starting Wednesday, March 10, per Gov. “Tomorrow I am not going to be enforcing the mask mandate because I think it’s up to the individual,” Contello said. AdShe added that customers can still choose to wear a mask if it would make them more comfortable while shopping. “If you want to stay home, stay home and be safe,” she added. Let’s get our life back on track.”Joseph said he hopes people who may not agree with his stance, not take it out on his restaurant’s employees.

HOUSTON – Houston attractions wasted no time Wednesday announcing how they will handle Gov. Space HoustonSpace Center Houston is in compliance with directives of health officials and CDC guidelines. Space Center Houston, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, is located on government property. AdGuests without masks will not be allowed entry to Space Center Houston. AdMoody GardenMoody Garden said they would require employees to wear masks.

Greg Abbott wears a face mask as he arrives for a news conference where he provided an update to Texas' response to COVID-19, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The evolving science of masks How can you tell if the mask you’re wearing is protective enough against the coronavirus? Correspondent David Pogue volunteers as a test subject to see how N95s work and learns about the science of face coverings.

Bartender Katie McGranahan pours a beer at the Saint Arnold Brewing Company Friday, June 26, 2020, in Houston. As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Are bar owners obligated to require that customers wear a mask? Answer: Yes, all individuals inside a bar establishment must wear a mask. Send it our way, and we will try to hunt down an answer.

HOUSTON – Auto maker Ford is distributing masks in several Texas cities, including Houston, throughout the month of February, as part of a partnership with Ford Motor Company Fund and the United Auto Workers Union. The goal is to donate 120 million masks to at-risk communities across the country by mid-2021, an increase from 100 million in the past year. Houstonians can visit a participating Ford dealership to pick up a 20-pack of masks on Feb. 23 at no cost while supplies last. The masks are still in their testing phase and are expected to be available later this year. AdEasy-to-build air filtration kits are also in the testing phase, which supplements a room’s existing filtration system to help reduce the risk of COVID-19.

Here's what experts have to say about Biden's vaccine timeline

Here's what experts have to say about Biden's vaccine timeline

A visitor wearing a mask to protect against the spread of COVID-19 passes a sign requiring masks, Tuesday, July 7, 2020, in San Antonio. As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Am I exempt from mask requirements if I’ve already received the COVID-19 vaccine? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends mask-wearing for individuals who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the CDC, experts are still learning more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide in real-world conditions.

“Maybe we need to produce some masks that have a little bit more layers,” Virginia Weigel said. “But not so much thickness, but a little more filtration perhaps.”But medical professionals are welcoming the new guidance. “When you’re at the grocery store, when you’re where there are more people around if you’re traveling,” she said. “If you’re at the doctor’s office it’s probably a good idea.”Dr. Sarfraz Aly with Oakbend Medical Center would concur. “People need to wear the right mask and a good mask,” Safraz said.

David Ake, File)FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A Florida legislator wants President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club fined and closed temporarily for hosting a New Year’s Eve party where few of the 500 guests wore masks as they sang, shouted and danced indoors for hours in possible violation of local coronavirus ordinances. They show patrons packed together on the dance floor as rapper Vanilla Ice, Beach Boys co-founder Mike Love and singer Taylor Dayne performed. He said Mar-a-Lago will be treated just like any other business and a decision should be made shortly. Vanilla Ice is playing the Mar-a-Lago New Years Eve party. Last month, a Mar-a-Lago neighbor filed a complaint with the Town of Palm Beach challenging Trump’s possible move to Mar-a-Lago after he leaves office this month.

We covered our faces with masks and, in doing so, created an easy way to identify the selfish — maskless heathens — and the careless, with masks slouched recklessly below their noses. If you told me at the beginning of 2020 that Americans would be complaining that wearing a cloth mask to protect others from a deadly virus was simply too burdensome, I would’ve laughed you out of the room.

Georgia artist makes custom masks that delight community Product designer Huckleberry Starnes makes custom masks highlighting the wearer's personality rather than hiding it. Mark Strassmann shares how the masks are putting smiles on faces during these tough times.

Health authorities have changed their guidance on who should wear masks and when to wear them. Here's a look at how what we know about masks has changed, and how government officials are increasingly getting behind the idea of mandating the use of masks. But when BOTH people are wearing masks, that produced the best result. For example, study participants who were supposed to wear masks sometimes didn’t. The president also held rallies that brought together thousands of supporters, most of them not wearing masks.

A new simulation study suggests that a person coughing can traject droplets beyond six feet, CNN reports. According to CNN, the new study, published on Tuesday in the journal Physics of Fluids found this puts people shorter than the person coughing – such as children – at greater risk of being exposed to cough droplets. “Young children may be at greater risk compared to adults based on the typical downward cough trajectory. Teenagers and short adults are advised to maintain a social distance greater than 2 m from taller persons,” the study says according to CNN. According to CNN, the results of the study are based on simulation models and not real-life experiments.

A lot of this election has been focused on the pandemic but the virus itself doesn’t identify with a political party. In fact, the virus can cause severe complications in any age group, although the most harm is often to the elderly and chronically ill.KPRC 2 wanted to debunk one myth that’s been thrown around: Masks will go away after the election. So, in any county with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, people must wear masks with few exceptions. Although many elements of the pandemic have been politicized, of all the doctors and hospital CEOs interviewed by KPRC 2 Health Reporter Haley Hernandez, none of them anticipate mask orders going away after the election. “It’s not going to go away and God willing we’ll get a vaccine soon.

Still, creating 700 face masks seems to transcend just “the basics,” wouldn’t you say? Moore’s personal project started in April, when Gleaners Community Food Bank asked for help from the community in making face masks for the group’s volunteers, and Moore decided she would lend a hand. Now she estimates she’s made hundreds of face masks for anyone who needs one. She uses some basic patterns and others that are a little more fun, and said she’s working on 50 Halloween-themed masks at the moment. When COVID-19 started, Moore was laid off for three months, so she had some extra time on her hands.

(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. HOUSTON – At KPRC 2, we’re dedicated to keeping Houstonians informed. As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Is it okay to hang my face mask in my rear-view mirror? Answer: According to AAA, the short answer is no.

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Can you wear your face covering and still have your legally LTC concealed firearm on your person? Wearing a face covering to protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19 does not inhibit those with licensed-to-carry firearms on them in Texas, whether openly or concealed, according to research from librarians at the Texas State Law Library. A blog post from Texas-based BCP Criminal Defense Attorneys also states that wearing a mask while carrying a gun is not a criminal offense under Texas law. The law firm says that if the facial covering is worn to reduce COVID-19 contagion, individuals are able to wear the mask and still carry the concealed weapon with a valid permit.

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump was participating in a televised “town hall” with uncommitted voters Tuesday night, a warm up of sorts two weeks before he faces Democratic nominee Joe Biden in the first presidential debate. Trump has been unusually mum on his debate preparations ahead of the first debate, scheduled for Sept. 29 in Cleveland. Trump, in the Fox interview, lowered expectations for his Democratic opponent's performance, judging Biden “a disaster” and “grossly incompetent” in the primary debates. The second of the three scheduled debates, set to be held in Miami on Oct. 15, will feature a similar “town meeting” style. Biden is to have his own opportunity to hone his skills taking questions from voters on Thursday, when he participates in a televised town hall hosted by CNN.

HOUSTON A ban on Black Lives Matter face masks at Needville High School has some parents and students accusing the school and district of bias and silencing students trying to express their first amendment rights to free speech. She says she questioned his rationale and asked why other students are allowed to wear masks that say Trump on them, apparently in support of President Donald Trump. The Needville Independent School District did not answer KPRC 2s specific questions regarding students being allowed to wear Trump masks. When a student wore a Black Lives Matter face mask, that student was told the same thing that face mask was not permitted. The district recognizes that it is important to provide students with guidance regarding what face masks are permitted and which are not.

This time last year, we were beginning to talk about what kinds of fun costumes and masks we might wear for Halloween. Nowadays, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, masks are an every day, everywhere kind of thing. In an effort to fight the spread of the coronavirus, masks have been mandated for wear in plenty of places, so perhaps your mask has become second nature. That not only makes it a little more fun for those wearing the masks, but for us who are out people-watching (and unable to actually see people’s faces). And perhaps you just might give some others some fun ideas to work with.

MADRID – Masks will be mandatory for all students in Spain, ages 6 or older, when returning to schools in September because of increased coronavirus cases, the government announced Thursday. Previously, masks were only required for students above age 12 by some Spanish regions. Students will receive a daily body temperature check, must wash hands at least five times per day and classrooms will need frequent ventilation, the government said. That allows localized quarantines if there’s a positive test, rather than closing entire schools. Parents and teachers have expressed concern, with new waves of outbreaks since the country emerged from a strict lockdown.

HOUSTON A local family is helping during the pandemic and showing support for the Houston Astros. From inside a room, with a couple sewing machines, fabric and thread, a family and volunteers sew masks. I think weve given away over 1,000 (masks), we lost track after 1,000, said Nguyen Le. The Le family is proving a mask cant cover up love for the Houston Astros. To donate to the Sunflower Mission visit: https://www.sunflowermission.org/To order a mask, visit: agswin.com.

HOUSTON As Texas is under a statewide mask order, Houstonians have gone above and beyond to get a little creative. Having a fashionable mask can bring out the personality out of people. Our followers from our KPRC 2 Facebook and Twitter pages showed us their masks, whether they made it themselves, or bought it to support mask makers. Check out gallery below and see how our Facebook and Twitter followers are being fashionable with their amazing masks. Full Screen 1 / 38 LeighAnn Reid Gaskill

As a part of a protest, anti-maskers are covering up by wearing non-protective masks to make a political statement. The protesters argument is that mask mandates are about compliance, not safety. To prove this, protesters are visiting stores that have a mask requirement while wearing a one made of a breathable material such as mesh. I wore a mask that is designed for protecting your face in a paintball battle. It was almost like not wearing a mask at all.

If you are still looking for that perfect design, we compiled a list of 11 local shops you can support. The boutique offers Chloe Daos locally made collections, as well as carefully curated merchandise that are one of a kind. Website: forthandnomad.comPhone: (713) 814-8198Location: 731 Yale St. Houston, TX 77007Memorial TailorsAbout the Company: Mario Duarte has been in business since 1993 servicing in Houston. Website: memorial-tailors.square.site/Phone: (713) 461-2230Location: 9774 Katy Fwy Suite 350 Houston, TX 770554401 Montrose Blvd Houston, TX 77006Sam & DavyAbout the Shop: Sam & Davy - The POP UP is located at River Oaks. The boutique offers handmade and customized nap mats, blankets, pillows, baby bedding and more.

As school districts continue to finalize their plans for the 2020-21 school year, the Texas Education Agency announced Tuesday that all Texas parents will get a choice on whether or not to send their children back to school. All Texas students must maintain at least 90% attendance in order to be awarded credit for a course and be promoted to the next grade. If you want to send your kids to schoolPer the new guidance, schools and districts will have to offer on-campus learning for children whose parents want to send their children to school each day. If you do send your children to school, masks will be required while in school buildings, per Gov. If parents choose to keep their children home from school at any point during the school year, TEA says they may have to commit to remote learning for an entire grading period — 6 to 9 weeks.