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

Coronavirus: Israel might soon ditch outdoor mask requirement

Authorities have reportedly decided to wait until after Independence Day, which falls on April 15, to help avoid potential outbreaks due to the holiday celebrations.

APRIL 7, 2021ByROSSELLA TERCATIN

A face mask is seen on the street in Jerusalem amid the coronavirus pandemic, on February 2, 2021.

IDF, Health Min. launch pilot to exempt some units from wearing masks

The pilot will begin Monday and will last for three months.

APRIL 4, 2021ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

A lone soldier walks past the Western Wall amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Mexican inventors make nose-only mask for eating, drinking

Researchers from Mexico have designed a funny-looking face mask that only covers the nose so that one may be protected while eating and drinking.

MARCH 29, 2021ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF

Nose-only medical masks for eating and drinking, made in Mexico

Anti-maskers in Arizona burn medical masks amid COVID pandemic - watch

Health officials have pleaded with the public to wear masks to limit the spread of the virus. Still, the issue has become politically divisive in the United States.

MARCH 20, 2021ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF, REUTERS

A face mask is seen on the street in Jerusalem amid the coronavirus pandemic, on February 2, 2021.

Frontier Airlines forcibly removes Jewish family from plane

Passengers on the flight said that their baby seemed to be the reason for the family’s removal • flight canceled; passengers were booked on alternative flights

MARCH 2, 2021ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Frontier Airlines' Airbus A320neo Las Vegas - McCarran International (LAS / KLAS) USA - Nevada, January 7, 2018

What high priest’s holy garments teach on importance of masks - opinion

While we might assume that these garments are ceremonial and exist for the purpose of honoring the priests, we learn at the end of the chapter that this clothing is, in fact, protective.

FEBRUARY 26, 2021ByRABBI EMILY COHEN/JTA

Kleenex coronavirus mask

Face masks not 100% effective at preventing spread of COVID-19 - CDC

It is impossible to evaluate exactly where someone contracted the virus.

FEBRUARY 8, 2021ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

A protective face mask is seen as curbs to fight the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been reimposed after a rise in new cases, at Zikim beach in southern Israel July 21, 2020. Picture taken July 21, 2020.

Mask-wearing becomes mandatory on US public transportation on Monday

US President Joe Biden on Jan. 21 directed agencies to "immediately take action" to require masks on transportation and at transit hubs.

JANUARY 30, 2021ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF

US PRESIDENT Joe Biden signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on Wednesday, after his inauguration as the 46th president of the United States.

Superbus drivers in Beit Shemesh to strike Sunday after assault incident

After the driver called the police, body-camera footage showed the teen walking up behind him and punching him in the back of the head.

JANUARY 3, 2021ByIDAN ZONSHINE

A bus driver sits in a bus and wears a face mask for fear of the coronavirus in downtown Jerusalem, March 16, 2020.

Lab tests suggest Israeli-made face mask eliminates over 99% of coronavirus

Sonovia’s reusable anti-viral masks are coated in zinc oxide nano-particles that destroy bacteria, fungi and viruses, which it says can help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

DECEMBER 27, 2020ByZACHARY KEYSER

Sonovia mask