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World News

Coronavirus: Wear mask in public, WHO's new advice

The Wolrd Health Organisation said it can help prevent the virus spread but stressed it must be combined with hand-hygiene and social-distancing.

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Pupils wearing face masks return to school in Singapore

With new infections slowing and no major outbreaks outside dorms, the government began easing measures Tuesday

Spain

Coronavirus air corridor from China to Spain closing down

About three flights have been coming in each week from Shanghai; Iberia has been working with two companies to keep medical supplies rolling in.

World

Watch: Are face masks tearing us apart? | Culture Clash

Arguments are breaking out over face coverings to stop the spread of COVID-19. Do you wear a mask? How do you feel about people who don't?

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Europe News

Transparent face masks help Belgian business see through crisis

For the deaf or hard of hearing, the see-through panel allows them to lip-read while maintaining a safe distance.

Europe Decoded

Coronavirus and facemasks: What is the latest health advice?

The main recommendation is to save them for those people who have coronavirus symptoms or are taking care of a suspected case.

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Masks handed out in Paris as commuters return to work

Millions of people in France embrace relaxation in the country's lockdown rule.

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.

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Visiting the WHO’s COVID-19 logistics hub

Partner content presented by Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing Dubai

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

World

Coronavirus: How to make your own face mask – no sewing required

Makeshift masks may be be better than nothing, but they’re no miracle solution. They cannot and must not replace regular handwashing and social distancing measures.

World News

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.