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Texas company sued, accused of selling fake N95 masks to Washington health system
The University of Washington Medicine and Washington State Hospital Association are suing a Texas company for allegedly selling $4 million in counterfeit N95 masks, The Seattle Times reported Feb. 4.
N95, KN95 masks provide best protection against covid, CDC study shows
The study shows that wearing any kind of mask in indoor public places significantly lowers the odds of becoming infected with the coronavirus, with N95 or KN95 masks providing the best protection.

Is it time to ditch cloth face masks for FFP2 or next-generation alternatives?
As the Covid pandemic has unfolded, the choice of face coverings has mushroomed
Opinion | Buying masks should be as easy as buying sunscreen
Buying masks to protect you from covid-19 can — and should — be just as easy as buying sunscreen

Your guide to better masks in the age of Omicron
Many public health experts are recommending people choose N95 face masks. But why should you choose them over cloth masks? Where can you get them? Can you re-wear them? Experts answer these questions and more.
Why is it better to wear an N95 than a cloth mask right now?
NEW YORK (AP) — Why is it better to wear an N95 than a cloth mask right now? Health experts suggest stepping up protection against the highly contagious omicron variant with stronger masks such as N95s or KN95s. It’s especially important now with health care systems under strain, and with people in…
Exactly How to Identify Fake N95, KN95, and KF94 Masks, According to Experts
As the Omicron variant spreads, ensure you’re actually protecting yourself and others.

Biden administration to distribute 400 million N95 masks to the public for free
The Biden administration will make 400 million N95 masks available to Americans for free starting next week, a White House official told CNN, the latest federal step aimed at reining in the US’ Covid-19 surge.

Your guide to better masks in the age of Omicron
Many public health experts are recommending people choose N95 face masks. But why should you choose them over cloth masks? Where can you get them? Can you re-wear them? Experts answer these questions and more.

Is it better to wear a double mask or an N95? Infectious diseases specialist answers questions on COVID-19 | CBC News
Dr. Alex Wong answers questions about Omicron.
CDC says N95 masks offer far better protection than cloth masks against omicron variant
Updated guidance stops short of saying people should wear the higher-quality masks, but offers advice on effectiveness.
CDC updates guidance on best masks to protect against COVID-19
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.

12 Signs You Have a Fake N95, KN95, or KF94 Mask
Counterfeit medical-style masks may leave you less protected. Here’s what to look out for so you don’t waste money on fakes.

Masks Cut Distance Coronavirus Travels in Half, Study Finds
FRIDAY, Jan. 14, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Face masks are touted as a key tool in preventing the spread of COVID-19, and a new study offers more proof that they work.Florida researchers found face masks cut the distance that airborne pathogens such as the coronavirus can travel by more than half. Th.…

Mask rules get tighter in Europe in winter’s COVID-19 wave
ROME (AP) — To mask or not to mask is a question Italy settled early in the COVID-19 outbreak with a vigorous “yes.” Now the onetime epicenter of the pandemic in Europe hopes even stricter mask rules will help it beat the latest infection surge.

Counterfeit N95 masks are everywhere. Here’s how to spot them.
CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta joins New Day to share tips on how to spot counterfeit N95 masks as fake masks flood the market and Omicron continues to spread across the US.

We know N95 masks offer better protection. So why aren’t more retail workers getting them? | CBC News
As workers in pharmacies, grocery and retail stores face the added risk of the highly transmissible Omicron variant, some companies are stepping up protections by mandating the use of the best masks available.
B.C. LifeLabs closures highlight concerns about PPE, mounting lab worker shortage
LifeLabs announced Wednesday that it was closing 11 patient service centres, mostly in southwestern B.C., and reducing hours at five others due to a staff shortage.

Biden says his administration will make free high-quality face masks available to all Americans
President Joe Biden on Thursday announced his administration would make “high-quality masks” available to Americans for free, as the US struggles to contain the new surge of the Omicron variant and hospitalizations from Covid-19 reach new highs.

Face masks make people look more attractive, study finds
Images of men wearing a blue medical face mask perceived as being the most attractive

Some KN95 face masks issued by state are defective
Of the KN95 face masks distributed by the state to counties over the last month, 5% are potentially defective and may not provide quality protection against COVID-19, officials said Wednesday,

Wear two masks to keep Omicron at bay, Hong Kong experts say
Wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask can “tighten the gap not covered by the surgical mask, which is often very loose,” said David Hui, a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Health Experts Say N95 Face Masks Offer Best COVID Protection; How To Make Sure They Are Most Effective
Sparkly masks, superhero masks -- there are many choices, but experts say it’s not about fashion. We need the best protection when it comes to the super contagious Omicron strain.
COVID-19: Calls grow for people to switch to N95 masks in B.C.
A growing number of health-care experts are demanding the province upgrade to using N95 masks in all health-care settings and are encouraging members of the public to do the same. Last week, the provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, said “it’s inevitable” that everyone in B.C. will…
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How Effective Is Face Mask Against COVID-19 if You’re the Only One Wearing It?
Some states have reinstated mask mandates and experts say a return to masking is a good tool against the Omicron variant.
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Will We Wear Face Masks Forever?
The pandemic is far from over. As we head into another COVID-19 surge this winter, masks may be as important as ever.
More protective masking, including N95s, needed to curb Omicron, say experts
When Linsey Marr boarded a bus in Lake Louise, Alta., earlier this week, she was floored to find out that she had to take off her N95 respirator and put on a medical mask for the ride. The Virginia Tech engineering professor, who studies viruses in the air, said the policy defies scientifi…

If you’re still wearing a single layer cloth mask ‘ditch it,’ head of Ontario’s science table says
If you are using a single-layer cloth mask to protect yourself from a new COVID-19 variant that is believed to be up to six times as infectious as Delta ‘ditch it, full stop.’
CityNews
Colin Furness, an infection control epidemiologist with the University of Toronto, says people should switch to using some sort of N95 mask when out in public settings due to COVID-19 variants that are much more transmissable.

California orders statewide mask requirement starting Wednesday amid rising coronavirus cases
California is ordering a statewide mask mandate for indoor public spaces to go into effect on Wednesday.

Should Americans “upgrade” face coverings to surgical masks amid Omicron spread?
Some health experts recommend switching to surgical masks amid the little-known information about Omicron and its transmissibility.

High-risk Canadians now advised to wear medical face masks: PHAC
The Public Health Agency of Canada is now recommending those at risk of higher exposure and more severe disease outcomes from COVID-19 wear a medical face mask.
Mask exemptions don’t allow shoppers to ‘simply do what they please,’ B.C. tribunal says
Two new decisions from a B.C. tribunal have made it clear that store policies requiring masks for in-store shopping do not violate human rights law.

Mask-wearing cuts Covid incidence by 53%, says global study
Researchers said results highlight the need to continue with face coverings, social distancing and handwashing alongside vaccine programmes

Little kids can likely read your emotions even when you wear a face mask, study finds
A study of over 300 children ages 3 to 6 found that they can determine a person’s emotions, even while they were wearing a face mask.

Dr. Bonnie Henry comments on updated guidance on face masks
“Medical masks do have that extra layer that attracts particles and droplets of viruses,” said B.C.’s top doctor.

Is your face mask protecting you from COVID variants? Here’s what to look for - Abbotsford News
Masks4Canada is encouraging everyone to use masks with proper fit and adequate filtration
COVID-19: British Columbia’s mask mandate for indoor public places extended
An end date for the extension of the mask order was not immediately clear.

Should face masks still be required after the pandemic ends? | Watch News Videos Online
Watch Should face masks still be required after the pandemic ends? Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca

Wearing a surgical face mask as protection from COVID-19 does not affect performance of youth hockey players: USask study
A University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team has found that wearing face masks to protect against COVID-19 during play does not affect the sport performance of youth hockey players aged 9-14. Parents of a hockey player under the age of 12 can rest assured that their child can be protected from…

Source control: Why face masks remain crucial to the fight against COVID-19
Wearing a face mask in public has gone from eyebrow-raising to commonplace in Canada in the span of just 18 months – and, despite the wide availability of vaccines, remains a key tool in the fight

Source control: Why face masks remain crucial to the fight against COVID-19
Wearing a face mask in public has gone from eyebrow-raising to commonplace in Canada in the span of just 18 months – and, despite the wide availability of vaccines, remains a key tool in the fight

Find out if your mask meets national standard for barrier face coverings
Surgical masks and N95 respirators health care staff wear have to meet federal standards. A lot of the types of face masks you and I buy don’t have to undergo testing. But, mask manufacturers can choose to test and see how effective their face barrier is.

Cloth vs N95: Which coronavirus mask should you wear?
Dr Khan explains how to find the best mask and asks if we should still be wiping down home deliveries and shopping.

VERIFY: Can you wear a face shield instead of a face mask to comply with DC mandate?
The Verify team answers a viewer question about whether a business can deny service to those wearing face shields instead of face masks.

Public health talking to Quebec military college after officer cadets appear to flout mask rules
Officer cadets at the Royal Military College in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., south of Montreal, are allowed to sit in the classroom without a face mask, even though Quebec mandates all post-secondary students wear one while seated in class.

Expanded health, safety measures for K-12 students
Government is updating its K-12 education health and safety guidelines to require masks for kindergarten to Grade 3 students.

Mesh masks not appropriate PPE in classrooms, Brantford school board says
The Grand Erie District School Board is clarifying mesh masks aren’t appropriate

Phase 4 reopening
Nova Scotia’s reopening plan takes a phased approach to safely easing restrictions.

A guide to COVID-19 school outbreak protocols across Canada | CBC News
In the event of a COVID-19 outbreak in schools, each province and territory has assembled protocols for case management and mitigation measures. CBC News gives a brief breakdown of what you need to know in each region.

People who don’t wear masks are up to TWICE as likely to get Covid
The Office for National Statistics found people who said they never wore face masks were 98 per cent more likely to catch Covid compared to those who always wore them at the start of September.

Study shows N95 respirators could offer robust protection from wildfire smoke
N95 respirators offer the best protection against wildfire smoke and other types of air pollution, performing better than synthetic, cotton and surgical masks.

Opinion | We Did the Research: Masks Work, and You Should Choose a High Quality Mask if Possible
One of the largest studies to date shows masks work.

Face masks for COVID pass their largest test yet
A rigorous study finds that surgical masks are highly protective, but cloth masks fall short.

Face masks required indoors, recommended outdoor for events in New Mexico schools
Officials with Las Cruces Public Schools said Tuesday that face masks will be required at all indoor events but will be recommended for outdoor events at schools in New Mexico. There are also new face mask criteria and a provision that visitors wear a mask at all times during indoor school-sponsored…

China issues new guidelines for face mask wearing amid Delta outbreak
Chinese health authorities have issued new guidelines upping the requirement of mask wearing for the public -- including in outdoor areas, as the country grapples with its worst resurgence of Covid-19 in more than a year.

Mask mandate begins in Washington state amid concerns about enforcement
TACOMA, Wash. -- Monday marked the return of a mask mandate for Washington, which is grappling with a surging number of COVID-19 cases as a fifth wave of the virus takes hold in parts of the state. As of the close of business Monday, about 100 complaints had been filed with the Washington Department…

Several Airlines Now Banning Cloth Face Coverings During Flights
Learn what some domestic airlines prohibit passengers from wearing to comply with the TSA mask mandate.

Study shows why opening windows in class will not stop COVID-19
A new MIT study has demonstrated that staying COVID-19-safe at school involves more than simply opening a window in the classroom.

Masks must be worn by passengers on B.C. Ferries, B.C. Transit
The re-implementation B.C.’s mask mandate means face coverings are once again required on B.C. Ferries and B.C. Transit. Starting today, masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces in the . . .

Oregon will be the first US state to reintroduce OUTDOOR Face Mask Mandate - Texas News Today
Oregon became the first state to order residents to wear masks in public as COVID cases and hospitalizations surged. Governor Kate Brown announced on Twitter that starting Friday, August 27, everyone over the age of 5 will wear a mask when gathering outside “being physically out of reach” regardless…

Finding reliable masks online can be tricky. Here are tips that can help.
If you’re planning to do your mask shopping online, here are a few best practices you should keep in mind.

School mask, vaccine mandates supported in U.S.: AP-NORC poll
As COVID-19 cases surge around the country, a majority of Americans say they support mask mandates for students and teachers in K-12 schools, according to a new poll, but their views are sharply divided along political lines.

Biologist calls for return of restrictions to Alberta as B.C. reintroduces pandemic measures
While health officials in British Columbia are taking emergency action as COVID-19 case numbers continue to climb, Alberta has made no changes to its health protocols amid a strengthening fourth wave.

Study supports widespread use of better masks to curb COVID-19 indoors | Waterloo News
A new study is highlighting a need for widespread use of better face masks and the importance of good ventilation to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 indoors. Engineering researchers at the University of Waterloo performed experiments using a mannequin to simulate a seated person breathing in a large…

B.C. reinstates province-wide mask mandate for indoor public spaces | CBC News
B.C. has reintroduced a province-wide mask mandate for indoor spaces across the province.

COVID-19: Manitoba brings back mask mandate, requires vaccination for some government employees - Winnipeg | Globalnews.ca
Doctors Manitoba has called on the province to make vaccination mandatory for health-care workers.

Mask mandate to reduce transmission, protect people in public spaces
As of Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces throughout B.C. to help slow the transmission of COVID-19 as B.C. prepares for the fall and respiratory illness season.
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U.S. will extend COVID-19 transport mask mandate through Jan. 18
President Joe Biden’s administration confirmed late on Tuesday it plans to extend requirements for travelers to wear masks on airplanes, trains and buses and at airports and train stations through Jan. 18 to address ongoing COVID-19 risks.

All students, staff of Calgary public school board required to wear masks at start of school year
The Calgary Board of Education will mandate indoor face mask use for all students and staff when the traditional school year begins on Sept. 1.

Why Not Just Tell Everyone to Wear Masks?
The C.D.C.’s advice about masking up again was not easy to parse. Some experts think simpler would have been better.

1,000 Kids in Mississippi Test Positive for COVID-19 After School Reopens | Education News | US News
Thousands more are in quarantine after schools reopened in the state as the delta variant surges.

Masks are back in high demand: “We can’t keep them on shelves longer than a day”
Some mask makers were caught flat-footed when orders soared at the end of July, especially from Delta variant hotspots.
COVID-19: Quebec students to wear masks in school hallways this fall, but not in class
Education Minister Jean-François Roberge laid out the details for measures in elementary and high schools as the academic year looms and novel coronavirus cases continue to rise.

Starbucks and McDonald’s revise mask guidance for vaccinated customers
The two chains have updated their mask policies in light of rising COVID-19 cases across the country.

Is it fair to ask children to wear face masks in schools?
It seems that universal mask mandates in schools are not so much about protecting children as they are about protecting unvaccinated adults from infected children.

Lake County may reimpose face mask requirement in public places
The county health officer told the Lake County Council Tuesday she’s working with the Lake County Board of Health to develop policies aimed at reducing the growing number of COVID-19

Do face masks work? Here are 49 scientific studies that explain why they do
Reasons for mask hesitancy and doubt include conflicting data from health officials, political biases and cultural unfamiliarity (studies showed mask wearing was lower in countries where face maski…

US mask makers say they’re in danger of going broke
American face mask manufacturers are warning that they will soon go broke without government support, potentially ceding domestic mask production amid a surge in COVID-19 cases.

These masks won’t stop you from getting the delta variant, expert says
Experts recommend strongest masks to fight off the delta variant of the novel coronavirus.
Cloth masks or surgical masks? Either way, you’ll be wearing one for ‘years to come’
For more than a year, face masks have been a wardrobe staple for millions of Australians. With experts warning us to expect to wear one “for years to come”, the question remains — cloth mask or surgical mask?

Universal Face-Mask Mandates Are Back. Here’s What to Know.
Amid the Delta wave, the CDC is once again recommending indoor mask mandates, including in all schools. But the debate remains politically fraught.

Businesses, epidemiologist express concerns over Manitoba lifting mask mandate
Come Saturday, Manitoba will no longer be required to wear a mask in an indoor public setting, which has some concerned about the message being sent.

COVID-19: Will Calgary reinstate its mask bylaw? - 660 NEWS
As Calgary deals with an increase in COVID-19 cases--and the province looks to scale back protections--some are wondering if masking rules will return.
‘The pandemic is not over’: Bring back universal face masks, the nation’s largest nurses union tells CDC
‘The United States once again stands on the precipice of rising cases.’
Flight Attendants Aren’t Ready to Abandon Face Masks, but Pandemic is Still Challenging Air Crews
Earlier this month, the flight attendants union at Southwest Airlines posed a question to members on its Facebook page: Should the union “advocate to end the mask mandate sooner?”

CDC updates guidance, recommends vaccinated people wear masks indoors in certain areas
To prevent further spread of the Delta variant, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its mask guidance on Tuesday to recommend that fully vaccinated people wear masks indoors when in areas with “substantial” and “high” transmission of Covid-19.

Concerns about patchwork of B.C. facemask rules and recommendations | Watch News Videos Online
Watch Concerns about patchwork of B.C. facemask rules and recommendations Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca
Alberta lifts most COVID-19 restrictions but not all Edmonton shops ready to ditch the mask
Alberta lifts nearly all COVID-19 restrictions as of July 1st but that doesn’t mean all businesses and customers are planning to fully embrace the freedom.

Covid: Masks upgrade cuts infection risk, research finds
Wearing a high grade FFP3 mask can almost entirely protect health workers from Covid, research finds.

Thinking of tossing the mask after that 2nd dose? Here’s what Simcoe Muskoka needs to know
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, fully vaccinated residents will be able to leave the face mask at home more often and enjoy a long-awaited hug.
Spain street masks dropped but most faces stay covered
A few smiles were visible in Madrid on Saturday but most kept their faces covered as Spain dropped its requirement for people to wear masks in the street.

U.S. Companies Shifted To Make N95 Respirators During COVID. Now, They’re Struggling
When an N95 respirator shortage left hospitals scrambling in 2020, U.S. manufacturers stepped in. Now, those companies are facing bankruptcies and layoffs.

Please still wear a mask, California nurses implore ahead of state’s reopening
The California Nurses Association is urging the public to keep wearing face masks after the state lifts most public health infection control restrictions June 15.

What the science says about lifting mask mandates
With COVID rates dropping and vaccinations on the rise, the United States and other places are removing some requirements for face coverings. Are they moving too fast?

Mask-wearing after COVID-19: Some Canadians see lasting benefits
While there are no signs that public health guidelines will change anytime soon, some people have come to appreciate wearing them and plan to continue even when it is no longer required.

In spring CDC study, UW Oshkosh outpaced national average in mask-wearing
UW Oshkosh participated in a CDC study where student observers collected data on and around the Oshkosh campus for eight weeks this spring.

Keeping your mask off indoors? Here’s when to do it
Experts share when would be a good time to take off your mask inside.

See face masks as practical, not moral posturing
The hostile nature of the debate about masks can make people feel uncomfortable and hesitant to wear — or not wear — a mask.
Face Mask for Anti-pollution Market Report 2021 Comparative Analysis of the Key Vendors and Market Growth Opportunities Forecast 2027
Report Provides Face Mask for Anti-pollution Market Size and Share, Reimbursement Outlook, Competitive Landscape, Forecast Report 2016 to 2027 with Top Key Players like 3M, Honeywell, Uvex, KOWA.

Ontario medical device maker develops new PPE solution - Canadian Plastics
The Canadian Shield’s Vizor eye shield is made of 100 per cent recyclable plastic that attaches to face masks.
Report: Securing Personal Protective 2021 Equipment and Medical Devices
This report presents the results of a performance audit conducted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (OAG) under the authority of the Auditor General Act.

What B.C.’s restart plan means for face mask use | Watch News Videos Online
Watch What B.C.’s restart plan means for face mask use Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca

COVID-19: Canadian government departments must resolve long-standing issues says AG
The federal government needs to fix long-standing issues with the country’s emergency medical stockpile system, according to a new report by Canada’s auditor...
Mask Up or Not? One Factor Dictates a Social Norm
Country by country, the percentage of people willing to mask up in a during the pandemic has varied greatly. Now, researchers have identified one key mindset that helps explain why.

Will Face Masks Stick Around When COVID-19 Is Over?
With immunity building through vaccinations, some wonder if we’ll be wearing face masks after the pandemic. Mask wearing may decline, but many may keep wearing a mask to avoid getting sick, protect others, and find relief from social anxiety.
For Those with Social Anxiety, Wearing a Mask Brings Relief
Wearing a mask provides relief for those with social anxiety

Psychopathological responses and face mask restrictions during the COVID-19 outbreak: Results from a nationwide survey
This article has been cited by other articles in PMC.

Fraser Health shuts down fitness clubs over COVID-19 as mask fines announced
Anyone who refuses to wear a mask in a B.C. fitness facility can now be slapped with a fine.

Covid-19: Surge in face mask sales on some e-commerce sites but no panic-buying seen at stores
Some online retailers are seeing an immediate spike in the sales of face masks following the authorities’ new guidance on the use of masks with “good filtration capabilities”.

COVID created this Kelowna company but will Canada keep it going?
“If they want to have a harvest in the future, they need to plant the seeds today.”

Fully Vaxxed Americans Can Stop Wearing Masks Indoors. When Will Canada Follow Suit?
The U.S. says fully vaccinated Americans can stop wearing masks indoors. When will Canada follow suit?

Hundreds of Epidemiologists Expected Mask-Wearing in Public for at Least a Year
The C.D.C. said Thursday that vaccinated Americans no longer needed masks in most places. Other disease experts recently had a different message: that masks were necessary in public.

Are you exempt from Alberta’s COVID-19 face mask law? You now need proof
Alberta’s province-wide mask mandate has been in effect since December 2020, and as of Thursday, a letter of proof is needed for those with medical exemptions.

When can we stop wearing masks? | CBC News
The U.S. has loosened its rules about wearing masks. When will it be Canada’s turn?

Fact Check-Microscopic fibres in face masks, swabs and sanitary pads are not living organisms; they are safe fibres that move due to static or moisture
Social media users have continued to misinterpret videos of moving fibres in COVID-19 test swabs, face masks and sanitary pads as tiny living worms.

Calgary city council votes to increase fine for not wearing face mask from $100 to $500
Calgary city council took the first step toward increasing the fine for not wearing a face covering while indoors on city property from $100 to $500 on Monday, passing first and second readings of the bylaw change.
WHO expert urges England to go back to normal life... but wear a face mask
Dr David Nabarro, the WHO’s special envoy on COVID-19, said dramatic upsurges in infections remain possible ‘anywhere’.

Face masks may become seasonal after Covid pandemic: Fauci
‘Covid won’t disappear, we are going to have to learn to live with it’ Wearing face masks may become seasonal when respiratory illnesses are more prevalent, says US top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci.
Canada may find it challenging to reach herd immunity from COVID-19, experts say
Herd immunity may not be reached in Canada but a return to life similar to that before COVID-19 is possible through immunization, experts say. Such immunity is achieved when enough people are immune to a virus, either through vaccinations or natural infections or a combination of both. Prof. Paul Tu…

Don’t discard face masks just yet
The favorite one; the least favorite one; the backup in the car or purse; the special occasion one. Masks have made their way into our lives for the past...
4 Times We Should Wear A Face Mask After The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Over
During the pandemic, we learned that face masks are a highly effective tool for reducing the transmission of COVID-19 because they help contain the spread of respiratory droplets, the primary means of infection.

Twitter opposition to face masks amplified by media, study finds
UO linguists unmask strong support for covering up and what drove polarized social media
We asked an expert: Do I need to wear sunscreen under my face mask?
An expert weighs in on how to practice sun safety during a pandemic.

iOS 14.5 and Face ID: Unlocking your iPhone with a mask on actually works now, kind of
Tired of Face ID failing when you’re wearing a face mask? iOS 14.5 now eliminates the hassle, but you’ll need to have an Apple Watch.
Protective Face Mask Market Worth USD 3.59 Billion by 2027; Top Market Players Such as 3M and DuPont to Focus on Developing Disposable Face Masks, Says Fortune Business Insights™
Key companies coverd are Honeywell International Inc., ANSELL LTD, Cardinal Health, Moldex-Metric, Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc., DuPont, Medicom, Eclipse...

Europe’s problem with toxic masks: ‘Does von der Leyen even know what she has been inhaling?’
Weeks after they were banned in Canada, face masks containing dangerous nanoparticles have flooded the European market and are even being worn by top EU officials.

Why we can still recognise people in face masks
Even though they cover most of our features, face masks are no match for our highly-evolved capacity to recognise friends.

Disposable Face Mask Market | Know the Current Market Scenario with Forecast by 2029 | BioSpace
Disposable Face Mask Market | Know the Current Market Scenario with Forecast by 2029 - read this article along with other careers information, tips and advice on BioSpace

Face masks mandatory on playground equipment at Ottawa parks
Ottawa Public Health issued a new directive this week making masks mandatory for parents and children on and around playgrounds and play structures.

VIDEO: Anti-fogging masks that are compatible for MRIs to be created at B.C. factory - Abbotsford News
Breathe Manufacturing Ltd. said they want to be innovative

PPE manufacturers team up to lobby government to create industry standards | CBC News
Some of Canada’s largest medical mask manufacturers have joined forces to lobby government to establish industry standards for personal protective equipment.

Canadian PPE producers pushing for change in industry
A group of Canadian PPE companies is pushing for change in the industry.

Kelowna mask manufacturer to produce MRI-compatible, anti-fogging masks - Kelowna Capital News
Breathe Manufacturing Ltd. said they want to be innovative

Tracy Gray on LinkedIn: Kelowna company wants PPE to continue to be manufactured in Canada
I’ve had the privilege of touring Breathe Medical Manufacturing Ltd. shortly after they opened in Kelowna. We continue to hear about procurement issues...
ANALYSIS: 16 million pencils, 18.8 million masks — Canada prepares for a pandemic election
To prepare for a potential federal election in the midst of a pandemic, Elections Canada went shopping.
Health Product Advertising Incidents related to COVID-19 - Canada.ca
Health Canada is taking urgent measures to protect consumers from illegal, false or misleading advertising of products claiming to mitigate, prevent, treat, diagnose, or cure COVID-19.
Fact check: CDC recommends masks in most cases even after COVID-19 vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing a mask in public and in most other cases after getting a vaccine for COVID-19.

Kelowna company wants PPE to continue to be manufactured in Canada - Kelowna Capital News
Breathe Manufacturing CEO says local PPE manufacturing is critical

Canada’s health care workers brace for the painful blow of a punishing third wave
For days now, as the Covid-19 case count mounted and hospital admissions surged, Canadians seemed dismayed and asked: How could this happen here, where most people dutifully followed public health guidelines?
Fitted Filtration Efficiency of Double Masking During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Although global vaccination efforts against SARS-CoV-2 are underway, the public is urged to continue using face masks as a primary intervention to control transmission.

46 million masks and counting: Kelowna company reaches 1 year milstone - Kelowna Capital News
In under a year, Breathe Manufacturing Ltd. in Kelowna has hit production of 46 million masks for front-line workers

B.C. Manufacturer Reaches Milestone by Fulfilling Federal Government Contract to Supply 46 Million Masks
/CNW/ - One Kelowna manufacturing company, Breathe Medical Manufacturing Ltd.(“Breathe”), is celebrating a significant milestone less than one year into its...

Protecting a New Canadian Industry: New Association of Companies to Support Establishing National Standards for Medical Mask Manufacturing in Canada
/CNW/ - Founded by two of the largest medical mask manufacturers in the country, the Canadian Association of Medical Mask Manufacturers (CAMMM) was created...

Give tax breaks for masks and PPE, critics urge | CBC News
Opposition critics are calling on Canada to follow the lead of countries like the United States and Australia by making work-related purchases of COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) tax-deductible.

Recalled masks were worn by thousands of Quebec kids; feds say import rule wasn’t followed
For months, thousands of Quebec teens and preteens were made to wear masks that turned out to be potentially toxic, made with graphene. CTV has learned that the masks were subject to very little oversight and Health Canada wasn’t even aware they’d been shipped to Canada.

Quebec premier clarifies mask-wearing requirement after pressure from opposition
Quebec’s premier has once again clarified the rules around mask wearing outdoors after opposition parties accused him of confusing the public over when and where they are required.

Masks could soon be made mandatory in Ottawa parks | CBC News
Masks could soon become mandatory in city parks as public health officials grasp for ways to wrestle the spread of COVID-19 under control before it overwhelms local hospitals.

Ottawa’s mandatory mask bylaw extended to August
Masks will be mandatory in enclosed public spaces and on public transit in Ottawa until at least the summer.

Mask shortage exposed health-care workers to avoidable COVID-19 risks: study
A shortage of medical-grade masks at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic led authorities to treat the coronavirus as if it wasn’t an airborne contagion despite…

Canadian Shield helps found association for standards on mask manufacturing
The Canadian Shield in Waterloo, along with the BC-based Breathe Medical Manufacturing, have founded the Canadian Association of Medical Mask Manufacturers

Outdoor mask mandate, tighter restrictions on indoor activities considered as Manitoba COVID-19 numbers rise | CBC News
Manitoba is considering mandatory masks outdoors and a renewed clampdown on indoor activities as COVID-19 case tallies continue to hit triple digits.

South Surrey N-95 equivalent manufacturer launches mask recycling program - Peace Arch News
Eternity Medical Equipment partners with Ontario-based LifeCycle Revive

COVID-19: Canucks’ outbreak a story about the importance of masks
The CAN95 masks that protected most of the Canucks’ support staff against COVID-19 infection are made in Burnaby by Vitacore Industries.
Advanced Mask Purchase List and Tip Sheet
A graphic outlining suppliers and tips to protect yourself and your family from more contagious strains of the virus.

Walmart moving to make face masks available for sale across Ontario after some displays taped off
Walmart and other big-box retailers in Ontario were required by the provincial government to block off areas deemed non-essential and in certain instances masks were blocked off.

Lethbridge’s mask bylaw extended to December 31
LETHBRIDGE, AB - Face masks will continue to be required in Lethbridge until the end of 2021.City council vote...

CBC Marketplace tested 14 brands of KN95 and KF94 masks — half failed to meet their filtration standard | CBC News
To find out how much Canadians can trust the N95-style masks they’re buying, CBC’s Marketplace tested 14 KN95 and KF94 respirator brands purchased from Amazon and big box stores.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN: Type of Mask Required or Recommended for the Public to Control Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 with Consideration of Variants of Concern
There is interest from the public, policy-makers and researchers regarding the use of masks by the
public as it relates to the emergence of new variants (i.e., B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1) of SARS-CoV-2. In lieu of
published evidence of whether non-medical masks are inferior for public use compared to medical
masks or respirators, a rapid environmental scan of policies from areas significantly impacted by new
variants of concern and regions beginning to experience spread or anticipating its arrival were reviewed.
public as it relates to the emergence of new variants (i.e., B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1) of SARS-CoV-2. In lieu of
published evidence of whether non-medical masks are inferior for public use compared to medical
masks or respirators, a rapid environmental scan of policies from areas significantly impacted by new
variants of concern and regions beginning to experience spread or anticipating its arrival were reviewed.

Advisory - Face masks that contain graphene may pose health risks
Face masks labelled to contain graphene or biomass graphene. Issue: There is a potential that wearers could inhale graphene particles...

Covid-19 variants are putting younger Canadians in ICU - CNN Video
Doctors across Canada are alarmed by an increasing number of younger Canadians ending up in the hospital due to new variants of Covid-19. All of this comes as several provinces lift restrictions amid pandemic fatigue. CNN’s Paula Newton reports.
Human rights tribunal puts anti-maskers on notice, saying complaints require proof of disability
The B.C. Human Rights Tribunal has made it clear that anyone thinking of filing a complaint because they were told to wear a mask in a store will have to prove they have a disability that prevents them from doing so.
‘Hit the hardest’: Why COVID-19 cases are rising among young Canadians
Spread of coronavirus variants and vaccinations focusing on the older groups are among several factors driving COVID-19 spread among the younger population.

B.C. teachers support new mask guidelines, but were hoping for more | CBC News
Teachers are welcoming stricter mask guidance for students in B.C. schools after an announcement on Monday from Dr. Bonnie Henry, but the language of the updated guidelines isn’t quite as firm as some had expected.

Health Canada says a citizen complaint launched mask recall; other masks under investigation
An expert says much more needs to be known about a COVID-19 mask recalled last week before it’s clear whether it poses a danger to the thousands of Quebec workers who wore them.

Vaccines Stop COVID-19 Infection, But Here’s Why You Still Need to Wear a Mask For Now
New real-world data backs up early hints that the COVID-19 vaccines can protect people from getting infected with the virus in the first place. But that doesn’t mean vaccinated people can get rid of their masks just yet

As supply of N95-style respirators grows, so do calls for Health Canada to update mask guidance | CBC News
Masks4Canada calls for Health Canada to update mask guidance.

Potentially toxic masks distributed in schools and daycares in Quebec | CBC News
One model of mask distributed to Quebec schools and daycares may be dangerous for the lungs as they contain a potentially toxic material, according to a directive sent out by the provincial government on Friday.

How one B.C. firm went from making snacks to making blockchain-backed N95 masks
PPE division of Inno Foods has produced 1m Health Canada-approved masks within a week

Counterfeit 3M N95 respirators - Recalls and safety alerts
Health Canada is warning Canadians about counterfeit 3M N95 respirators in light of recent seizures of counterfeit products in Canada and at the border.

Biden administration weighing national face mask standards for workplace
The Biden Administration is deliberating on a nationwide face mask standard for workplaces, although it has already missed its own deadline for a decision.

Study suggests wearing a face mask during intense exercise is safe for healthy people
Wearing a protective face mask has only a modest effect on the ability of healthy people to do vigorous exercise, according to a study published today in the European Respiratory Journal.

Study finds mask mandates, dining out influence virus spread
A new national study adds strong evidence that mask mandates can slow the spread of the coronavirus, and that allowing dining at restaurants can increase cases and deaths.
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Q and A: Toronto Public Health’s latest advice on masks
The Star spoke to Toronto associate medical officer of health Dr. Vinita Dubey about whether residents should buy medical masks if they can.

The face mask that could end the pandemic
Here’s the face mask that could end the coronavirus pandemic.

Experts Call for Better Masks As Pandemic Rolls On
Ideally, everyone would have sophisticated N95 masks. But they’re in short supply. While a cloth mask is better than no masks, experts warn technology needs to improve to stop the pandemic.

2020 Canadian PPE Mask Industry Outlook - Allam Advisory Group
AAG subject matter experts are constantly monitoring developments with COVID-19 as it pertains to how businesses operate, the market response and overall human health issues through external medical experts.

Are face masks helping people with allergies?
The masks people have been wearing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 are also good at filtering out pollen and other allergens floating in the air. For people with allergic rhinitis or allergic asthma, who develop symptoms after breathing in allergens, masks can be really helpful. Even before C…

Should Canadians be wearing N95-style masks?
With more contagious COVID-19 variants on the rise, some experts believe the general public in Canada should be wearing N95-style masks, especially now that ...

Why might face masks reduce COVID-19 severity?
A new study looks at why wearing face masks may reduce not just infection rates, but also COVID-19 disease severity. Suggestions point to humidity playing a role.

Covid-19: Are cloth masks still effective? And other questions answered
In light of new, more transmissible variants of SARS-CoV-2, Elisabeth Mahase examines what kinds of mask the public should be wearing, and where they should be worn Early in the pandemic, major problems in the global supply of medical grade masks meant that the public was asked to avoid using these…

Health Canada issues advisory over fake N95 masks flooding the market - Peace Arch News
Since mid-February, authorities have recovered nearly 330,000 fakes from Canadian distributors

Health-care workers need N95 masks in COVID-19 hot and warm zones, judge rules
Evidence shows the virus is airborne so “employers must take precautions in matters of health and safety,” the judge said.

Quebec gets a ‘legal slap in the face’ over N95 masks, owes an apology to caregivers, says QS
The Legault government has suffered a ‘legal slap in the face’ over N95 masks and must now make an official apology to caregivers, says Quebec Solidaire (QS).

‘Urgency is key’ as homegrown PPE industry calls for procurement changes
One year after pivoting to meet the need for domestic PPE, homegrown industry left with little room to compete
Stark differences found in provincial pandemic responses
While most provinces responded with a similar degree of lockdowns and closures during the first wave, restrictions since then have been much more varied.
“He’s dead wrong”: Fauci clashes with Rand Paul about masks
Fauci and Paul faced off in a Senate COVID hearing about whether it’s “theater” to keep wearing a mask after being vaccinated.

‘We’re suffering’: Mark Carney says Canada must build vaccine and PPE manufacturing capacity
Canada needs to build up its manufacturing capacity for both vaccines and personal protective equipment if it wants to be prepared for the next pandemic, says former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney.

Brackets designed to make masks more comfortable could come at a risk
Companies that make mask brackets say they can improve breathability, reduce makeup smearing and prevent glasses from fogging up. But one expert thinks that these devices could have a negative impact on mask efficiency.
Opinion | Abandoning masks now is a terrible idea. The 1918 pandemic shows why.
We’re not out of this yet.

A Northern Ontario mineral solution that kills COVID-19 is heading to commercial production
A surgical mask coated with ZEN Graphene Solutions’ anti-viral ink goes into full-scale manufacturing mode this spring

Canada warned Trump administration of repercussions when shipments of masks and ventilators cut
Trump’s initial refusal to ship the masks was just one of many fires Canadians officials had to put out to keep PPE flowing into Canada in April and March

Which face mask is best for communication? A new study weighs in
A new study compares four ways of masking up and concludes that surgical masks do the least to obfuscate communication.

CDC: Tight-fitting masks, two masks maximize protection against infectious aerosols
Double masking or knotting and tucking a single medical procedure mask helps prevent air leakage and improve mask performance, according to the CDC’s Feb. 10 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Why you might want to start wearing better masks — even outdoors | CBC News
The spread of more contagious coronavirus variants in Canada amid already high levels of COVID-19 makes it a critical time to think about the masks we wear.

Should you double up on your face masks? Experts weigh in
Some experts say Canadians might want to consider upgrading their face masks, doubling up mask layers, or wearing masks while outdoors as more contagious COVID-19 variants continue to spread.

Breathe Medical Manufacturing Ltd.
British Columbia
1-778-581-3706
sales@breathemedicalmanufacturing.com