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face masks

Young woman wears a face mask outdoors

With COVID surging, should I wear a mask?

21 Nov 2023

Wearing a mask at the shops, on public transport and in other crowded settings will improve your chances of a COVID-free Christmas.

a woman leaves a commuter train wearing a face mask

Yes, masks reduce the risk of spreading COVID, despite a review saying they don’t

07 Feb 2023

An updated Cochrane Review suggests face masks don’t reduce the spread of COVID in the community. But there are several reasons why this conclusion is misleading.

Two people wearing masks on the street next to a woman without a mask

Mask mandates – will we only act on public health advice if someone makes us?

18 Jul 2022

If our immunity from COVID vaccines is waning, then wearing a mask to prevent infection is even more valuable. But not many people seem to be thinking that way when they’re out and about.

Diary entry showing '4th dose'

Access to a second COVID booster vaccine has been expanded to people 30 years and over

08 Jul 2022

Fourth COVID shots have been approved for over-30s, a necessary step to help protect Australians this winter. But we should be doing more.

A male store official asks two men to show QR codes to gain entry

COVID restrictions may be easing, but the pandemic isn't over yet

20 Apr 2022

Many countries are winding back COVID-19 restrictions, but governments should be continuing to promote the importance of voluntary mask use and catching up outdoors.

woman wearing respirator mask

Time to upgrade from cloth and surgical masks to respirators? Your questions answered

19 Jan 2022

The airborne nature of COVID supports routine use of respirators by the public. Here, experts explain the science behind this recommendation.

masked man waits for the light rail in sydney

We’ve become used to wearing masks during COVID. But does that mean the habit will stick?

19 Jul 2021

In Hong Kong, SARS created a new social norm, where people accepted mask use as part of their 'civic responsibility'.

Female protestor writing 'I cant breathe' on fellow protestor's face mask

Put your values where your mouth is: the changing power of the face mask during COVID-19

13 May 2021

Sometimes the simplest objects can tell the most powerful stories.

Silhouette of construction workers lowering giant numbers of 2020 into place

Calamities, computers and CO2 – our most-read engineering stories for 2020

11 Dec 2020

Quantum computers, making greenhouse gases useful, COVID-19 infection from droplet spread and water security were some of the most popular engineering stories in 2020.

A lightbox with message 'bye bye 2020' alongside two surgical masks

COVID experts share their tips on enjoying the holiday season

02 Dec 2020

Christmas may not be cancelled, but it will certainly be different to any before, say leading COVID-19 experts.

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