Scientists say that for most children, masks in school aren't a major obstacle to learning or socializing. Students in classrooms find other ways to connect.
Not everyone feels safe shedding COVID precautions. But it can be awkward being the only masked person in a room. Here's how to cope with the uncertainty of risk right now — and the peer pressure.
The CDC says high-filtration masks like N95s provide the best protection. Here's how to find a good one — and avoid the fakes. Plus tips on how to fit them and how long to wear them.
This year, face masks are on most parents' list of back-to-school supplies. But which ones are most effective? Here's how to choose the right one for your child.
Mask mandates and other interventions can help stop a surge, even where vaccination rates are low, say scientists who've reviewed states' data. When the measures start and how long they last matters.
Some public health experts are also parents of little kids, and have to strategize to keep those too young to be vaccinated safe from getting or spreading the delta variant. Here are their tips.
The CDC wants vaccinated people to wear masks indoors if the coronavirus is spreading widely where they live. Find out the level of virus transmission in your county.
The agency argues that vaccinated people are safe without masks. But the guidance leaves room for plenty of unvaccinated people to mingle dangerously, and many argue that this is fueling case surges.
Fully vaccinated people got the green light last week to resume much of their lives without masks. Behavioral experts say that as an incentive to get more people vaccinated, it's far from a sure bet.
The CDC's new guidance that it's safe for fully vaccinated people to go without masks, even indoors, has led to a confusing situation for businesses, which now have to decide what to do on their own.
Even as COVID-19 cases decrease and more Americans get vaccinated, the Transportation Security Administration is keeping strict regulations on wearing masks when traveling domestically.
Hospitalizations are down 62% for childhood respiratory illnesses, a study shows. Masking and physical distancing are keeping a variety of viruses in check, but will these behaviors last?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services now recommends that visitors and residents, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, be allowed to meet in person under most circumstances.
At work every day, Agnes Boisvert attends to ICU patients "gasping for air" and dying from COVID-19. But communicating that harsh reality to her skeptical community has been a challenge.
New research found that wearing a cloth mask over a medical mask significantly boosts protection against droplets that can transmit the virus. Tying knots on the ear loops of medical masks also helps.
From double-masking to getting a tighter seal, these suggestions and simple at-home hacks can make your mask a better barrier against the coronavirus — and help fend off more infectious strains.
Early in the pandemic, shortages of N95 respirators and other medical gear prompted panic across the world. A year later, the masks still aren't widely available to U.S. consumers.
There are N95s, reserved for health workers. There are KN95s, which you can buy easily — except that quality may vary. And now South Korea's KF94 masks are getting a lot of buzz.
Ski areas are seeing record sales of season passes as people look for outdoor exercise this winter. Most are requiring masks, limiting lodge use, and making people put their boots on at their cars.
It takes time after vaccination for immunity to the virus to build up, and no vaccine is 100% effective. Plus, scientists don't yet know if the vaccine stops viral spread. Here's what's known so far.
Pleats, filters, fabric. With so many available features and types, we break down which common face coverings are more effective and the right way to wear and handle them.
In Florida, the governor and leaders of cities and counties are squaring off over a coronavirus mask order. Or, the lack thereof. The governor says masks can be required but people can't be fined.
NPR
Live Updates: Trump Tests Positive For Coronavirus
President Trump, who spent the weekend in the hospital for COVID-19, made a theatrical return to the White House on Monday evening, where he removed his mask and gave his signature two thumbs up.
With the hashtag #ikdoenietmeermee ("I no longer participate"), several musicians and influencers said on social media they were opting out of campaigns to promote social distancing and face masks.