no comment Masks handed out in Paris as commuters return to work Millions of people in France embrace relaxation in the country's lockdown rule. 11/05/2020
world news Analysis: How important are face masks in protecting us from COVID-19? Who to trust? Who to believe? Well, ultimately when in doubt European governments seem to be taking (rather sensibly) a 'better safe than sorry' approach, writes Darren McCaffrey. 06/05/2020
United Arab Emirates Visiting the WHO’s COVID-19 logistics hub To keep up with global demand for protective equipment (PPE) the World Health Organization has strategically positioned itself to reach two-thirds of the world in a few hours. 05/05/2020
France Availability of masks in French supermarkets sparks suspicions "I give supermarkets three days to prove that they did not have a secret stock of masks during the crisis!" says one senior government official. 04/05/2020
France Coronavirus: France seizes 140,000 'illegal' masks near Paris Two men were arrested while unloading a huge amount of 'counterfeit' protective masks from a cargo near Paris. It's the largest requisition of masks since the government’s ban on their resale 26/04/2020
Belgium Belgians to receive free masks as part of lockdown exit strategy The Belgian government has laid out its #Covid-19 lockdown exit strategy, which includes compulsory mask on public transport and ban of mass gatherings until September. 25/04/2020
United Kingdom A mostly virtual Westminster reopens amidst PPE shortage debacle MPs return to work but most are attending the Commons' sessions remotely. The speaker assures those not in the Chamber won't be at a disadvantage as debates will centre on the shortage of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. 21/04/2020
no comment Saxony becomes first German state to make masks mandatory The German city of Dresden began distributing 200,000 face masks on Monday as they became compulsory on trains, buses and in shops in the state of Saxony. 20/04/2020
no comment Face masks distributed via vending machines in Taiwan Automating the distribution of masks is aimed at reducing the workload of pharmacists and cutting the amount of contact between people. 20/04/2020
Germany 'There are vultures out there': Police thwart €2.38m face mask scam €2.38 million euros were paid up front for masks that never arrived. Two arrests have been made in the Netherlands, and more are expected, says Interpol. 15/04/2020
Spain Costumes from TV hit series Chernobyl donated to COVID-19 fight Governments are trying to secure more protective gear for health workers. In the meantime, costume designers are lending a hand. 14/04/2020
no comment Babies given tiny face shields in bid to stop spread of COVID-19 Experts believe children are more likely to be asymptotic carriers and could be inadvertently spreading the virus. 13/04/2020
World Medical supply shortage spurs global scramble for materials Global officials have bemoaned a scramble for key medical supplies as countries race to buy masks and ventilators amid the coronavirus pandemic. 04/04/2020
World US recommends Americans cover face in public to prevent COVID-19 The US changed its guidelines on wearing masks amid concern over coronavirus transmission by people without symptoms. 03/04/2020
Good Morning Europe Companies race to churn out masks and ventilators amid COVID-19 pandem As governments scramble to buy the masks and ventilators they need to fight the coronavirus pandemic, companies trying to keep up with demand are facing logistical challenges. 02/04/2020
no comment Masked statues comment on culture and health in Lithuania This event draws attention to both the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the cultural scene and the need to follow health advice. 27/03/2020
Italy Coronavirus: Italian police arrest two men for stealing 8,000 masks The two brothers from Erchie, Brindisi, are being held for aggravated robbery and the assault of a Chinese shopkeeper. 26/03/2020
Sweden Swedish populist quits party amid controversy over coronavirus masks William Hahne, deputy chairman of Alternative for Sweden, had faced criticism for selling the masks at inflated prices. 24/03/2020
Czech Republic Czechs facing up to coronavirus crisis by making masks mandatory The Czech Republic is thought to be one of the few countries in the world where protective masks are mandatory during the coronavirus crisis. 24/03/2020
no comment Volunteers in South Korea bid to help by making face masks It comes amid a shortage in some parts of the country. 20/03/2020
Ukraine Coronavirus: Medical mask resellers targeted by armed gang in Ukraine The men intercepted meetings between buyers and sellers of masks, stealing as many as 100,000. 17/03/2020
