Face mask

Face masks are protective medical wear that help the wearer avoid infection from diseases or harmful materials. They prevent accidental ingestion or inhaling of fluids containing diseases by blocking vulnerable orifices or use materials that are antiviral or antibacterial.

Face masks were largely reserved for use by medical personal in the West, but were commonly utilized by the general population in East Asia to prevent the spread of disease.

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, masking in public spaces became mandated by many governments or was issued as an advisory by health authorities.

The effectiveness of face masks depends on the material, type of mask, and proper use of the mask. New masks have been developed to reduced the spread of COVID-19, while some authorities have advised double masking in order to increase face mask effectiveness. Some have met the idea of mask mandates with ferociousness, arguing that being forced to wear the masks is a violation of rights.

As flu cases rise in Israel, Health Ministry calls on at-risk groups to wear masks

While vaccination rates are climbing, with about 15.7 percent of the population inoculated, the ministry says coverage remains insufficient.

DECEMBER 17, 2025|ByTPS

A sick family

Burka illustrative

Portugal's parliament approves far-right party's bill to ban burkas

Under the bill, proposed fines for wearing face veils in public would range between 200 euros and 4,000 euros ($234-$4,671).

OCTOBER 17, 2025|ByREUTERS

Israeli security forces seen during an operation in the Tulkarm refugee camp, in the West Bank, July 6, 2025

IDF West Bank Chief outlaws wearing facemasks, punishable with half year in prison

This unusual move is a new initiative to make it harder for both Hamas terrorists and Jewish extremists, who perpetrate violence and nationalistic offenses, to avoid arrest.

JULY 20, 2025|ByYONAH JEREMY BOB

A demonstrator wears a protective mask as protestors gather at the gates of Columbia University, in support of student protesters who barricaded themselves in Hamilton Hall, despite orders from university officials to disband or face suspension during the Israel-Hamas war, in NYC, April 30, 2024.

Columbia bans face masks in protests and acquiesces to other Trump administration demands

“This is a huge win for Jewish safety at Columbia,” tweeted Eliana Goldin, who is enrolled in Columbia’s joint program with the Jewish Theological Seminary.

MARCH 21, 2025|ByPHILISSA CRAMER/JTA

Canceling plans: I never want to get sick ever again

If I do eventually contract COVID, hopefully we will have treatments to keep people from getting severely ill or dying.

DECEMBER 30, 2021ByBRIAN BLUM

An infrared thermometer, used to detect if someone has a fever

How Sonovia moved from nano-coating masks to textiles

Sonovia was founded as a start-up in 2013, following 10 years of research at Bar-Ilan University and four years of EU-funded research to fight hospital-acquired infections.

DECEMBER 16, 2021BySHARON ALTSHUL

Founder of Sonovia Joshua “Shuki” Hershcovich

Should men shave?

Send this article to friends who shave. An experienced doctor claims that a beard is much healthier because it protects facial skin from bacteria. Here are the details.

DECEMBER 15, 2021ByWALLA!

Man with beard

COVID-19 Omicron: California to reinstitute statewide mask mandate

The mandate, which will take effect on Wednesday and last a month, is one of several measures the most-populous US state is taking to slow a wave of infections.

DECEMBER 13, 2021ByREUTERS

A shopper puts on a protective face mask as she enters a store as new New York State indoor masking mandates went into effect amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in New York City, New York, US, December 13, 2021.

Flu, flu, go away: Is coronavirus pushing the flu out of Israel?

As Israel enters its second COVID winter, flu morbidity remains low.

DECEMBER 7, 2021ByROSSELLA TERCATIN

A woman blowing her nose into a tissue, possibly after sneeze or while sick

COVID Omicron variant: How to stay safe if you have to travel

Sonovia’s SonoMask proven more than 99% effective against all previous variants. Company expects it to work against Omicron, too.

NOVEMBER 27, 2021ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Sonovia's SonoMask

COVID: Outdoor restrictions to be canceled as 4 million Israelis have received booster shot

Committee on children’s vaccine expected to approve inoculation for 5-11 age cohort today.

NOVEMBER 9, 2021ByROSSELLA TERCATIN

Israel's Green Pass validity was extended until Thursday on Sunday after the Health Ministry 'traffic light' website crashed, October 3, 2021.

The secret behind Sonovia's anti-COVID textiles

How a small Israeli startup made it big not just during but thanks to the COVID-19 crisis.

OCTOBER 7, 2021ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Liat Goldhammer-Steinberg, CTO of Sonovia Ltd.

Seven skin sins: These seven mistakes damage your skin

We make mistakes every day which cause damage to our facial skin. The new year is the time to get rid of bad habits and adopt new, better ones so that your skin will look great.

OCTOBER 1, 2021ByPAULA BLACK DAYAN/WALLA!

Woman's face

Israeli mask 99.95% protective against Delta variant, European lab says

Sonovia fabric to be evaluated against Mu strain next

SEPTEMBER 26, 2021ByMAAYAN JAFFE-HOFFMAN

Sonovia's SonoMask is 99.95% effective in protecting agains the Delta coronavirus strain