Mask | Business Upturn

Covid JN.1 Variant News: Karnataka government mandates wearing mask amid rising cases in Kerala

Uddeshya Thakur — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 20:31:55 +0000

The Karnataka government has also become alert after a case of sub-variant JN.1 of Covid-19 was reported in the neighbouring state of Kerala. In view of this, the state government has asked people above sixty years of age to wear face masks compulsorily and have symptoms of cough, cold, fever and other diseases.

“I request the public not to panic about the new sub-variant of coronavirus in the state. However, I urge those above 60 years of age and those suffering from cold, cough, fever, or comorbidities like heart and kidney-related diseases to wear masks compulsorily,” said Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.

Surveillance in border districts

Speaking to reporters here, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said that — “In response to the recent surge in active coronavirus cases in Kerala, we will implement screening measures for individuals entering the state through the border areas of Kodagu, Mangaluru, and Chamarajanagar. Please remember that your cooperation in following these guidelines will help us defeat the spread of infection.”

Hospitals and health centres to be prepared

“As a precautionary measure, I have directed all hospitals and health centres in the state to make necessary preparations, ensuring the availability of adequate oxygen cylinders, a sufficient stock of medicines, and an increase in ICU and bed capacity,” said Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.

I request the public not to panic about the new sub-variant of coronavirus in the state. However, I urge those above 60 years of age and those suffering from cold, cough, fever, or comorbidities like heart and kidney-related diseases to wear masks compulsorily.

As a… pic.twitter.com/55peHWUPBp

— Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) December 18, 2023

Govt will take further decision based on situation

The state health minister said, in a few days we will know whether the infection is increasing or not. As we increase COVID testing, if more positive cases are recorded, we will decide on further measures that need to be implemented. Rao said that at present there is no need to impose any kind of restriction.

No restrictions on movement of people

Asked whether there would be any restrictions on Ayyappa pilgrims returning from Kerala, Rao said there were no restrictions on movement of people and crowds as of now. He said, “We will not stop anyone like this now. Because there is no such situation that people should not move or gather. We will monitor the situation daily.”

Ajit Pawar: Masks may become mandatory in Maharashtra amid rising cases

Dipankar Ray — Sat, 04 Jun 2022 08:18:30 +0000

With a recent spike in cases and India recording a total of 3,962 cases on Saturday, the Union Health Ministry has issued alerts to five states including Maharashtra.

In this context, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar confirmed that the state government might have to bring the rule of mandatory wearing of masks in public places if the rise in cases continues.

Maharashtra had recorded a total of 1,081 fresh cases. Which was the highest tally since February 24. Moreover, this took the overall rise to 78,88,167 and the toll was around 1,47,860. The state had recorded a daily rise of 711 cases on May 31st.

The figures have seen an escalating rise amid the increasing cases of the Monkeypox virus. The Maharashtra government has already started taking appropriate measures. Such as the quick vaccination of children within the age groups of 15-17. While it has been assured that a new COVID-19 wave is highly unlikely to approach. Experts have best advised to follow health and safety protocols.

According to the report released by the Union Health Ministry, it has informed the states for collecting samples for genome sequencing to detect alteration in the COVID-19 strands.

As the cases are rising with June 3rd recording a total rise of 4,041 cases. Further updates are still awaited by the state government.

Amazon mandates wearing mask for 900,000 US warehouse workers

Aayushi Singh — Sat, 07 Aug 2021 18:44:24 +0000

Monday onwards, Amazon would be required all of their 900,000 US warehouse workers to wear masks indoors nonetheless of their vaccination.

The move had been followed by a few other retailers to mandate wearing masks for their workers and in most of those cases, the mandates had been applied to the workers in locations of substantial COVID-19 transmission.

On Friday, Amazon had said that they had called for a nationwide mask mandate for their warehouse workers for a response to the spread of COVID-19 variants i. The US, and guidance from public health authorities and their own medical experts. These requirements had only for the warehouse workers of Amazon who were not vaccinated against COVID-19.

Brian Olsavsky, Amazon’s Chief Financial Officer had said in the previous week that the rise in COVID-19 infections linked to the Delta variant was pushing the company to get more of their workers vaccinated.

They were also working with the local authorities on the safety measures for COVID-19.
However, Amazon has not yet made it a requirement for their employees to be vaccinated.

Iconic singer Cher’s biopic in the works at Universal by ‘Mamma Mia!’ producers

Satya Shruti — Fri, 21 May 2021 07:25:13 +0000

Cher has announced that a biopic about her life is in the works at Universal Pictures. She will co-produce the project, alongside Judy Craymer and Gary Goetzman, who produced the film adaptations of Mamma Mia! – the second of which, 2018’s Here We Go Again, starred Cher.

Cher said that her “dear dear friend” Eric Roth – of Forrest Gump and the most recent A Star Is Born adaptation – will write the screenplay. He worked with Cher on the 1987 legal thriller Suspect.

“Gary and I are thrilled to be working with Cher again and this time bringing her empowering and true-life odyssey to the big screen,” Craymer said in a press release. “One cannot help but be drawn to and inspired by Cher’s larger than life talent, fortitude, unique wit, warmth, and vision. Her unparalleled success in music, film, and TV has inspired generations. We could not be happier to tell her story to cinema audiences.”

During that half-century, Cher has sold more than 100m records and waged several musical comebacks – notably launching a solo career after her divorce and subsequent creative split from Sonny Bono, and pioneering the use of Auto-Tune in pop with 1998’s Believe, which won the Grammy award for best dance recording in 2000.

Her filmography includes Silkwood, Mask, The Witches of Eastwick, and Moonstruck, for which she won the Academy Award for best actress.

Ok Universal is Doing Biopic With My Friends JUDY CRAYMER,GARY GOETZMAN PRODUCING.
THEYY PRODUCED
BOTH MAMMA MIA’S,&
MY DEAR DEAR Friend 4 YRS, & OSCAR WINNER..ERIC ROTH IS GOING 2 WRITE IT👻🎂‼️
FORREST GUMP
A STAR IS BORN
SUSPECT
TO NAME A FEW OF IS FILMS

— Cher (@cher) May 19, 2021

‘No more people should pass away like this’: Arijit Singh urges people to stay indoors and wear masks to protect themselves from coronavirus.

Satya Shruti — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 11:00:21 +0000

Saddened by so many deaths due to COVID-19, singer Arijit Singh said that ‘No more people should pass away like this’ and took to his Facebook and requested his followers to pray so “our consciousness becomes a collective one” and the country can get through this crisis.

The popular singer shared his note in English and Hindi as he wrote, “I have been praying continuously with one focus in mind. We should win this battle. No more people should pass away like this. I am appealing to my beloved people to join me mentally through this prayer.”

He requested his followers to pray that everyone should get the “deserved opportunity to be tested,” “test reports,” “beds,” “oxygen,” “injections,” “medicine,” “Intensive Care Unit,” “doctors and nurses to attend” and “empathy and care for each other.”

Arijit also requested his followers to not step outside unless ‘absolutely necessary’ and to also wear a mask when stepping out. “We can not stop a humongous amount of people from going out and celebrate their own selfishness but we can choose to be caring for ourselves and other people around us. Spread this to everyone please. Tell everyone to wear a mask and sanitise themselves. Be aware of your body. This time RT PCR is failing sometimes,” he wrote.

Pooja Bhatt suffering from ‘survivors guilt’ amid rising COVID-19 cases, and believes that ‘the system has failed us’.

Satya Shruti — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 10:33:21 +0000

India reported 3,14,835 cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, which is the highest daily increase the country has recorded so far. The death toll for the day reaches 2,104, which is the highest so far.

The Bombay Begums Actor took to Twitter and shared that she is going through survivor’s guilt and holds the political class, responsible for leaving us to fend ourselves.

“Anyone else feeling survivors guilt? I certainly am. Each death I hear of is like a hard blow. The system has failed us and how. The political class has blood on their hands. For not preparing. For sending out a message that ‘all is well’. For leaving us to fend for ourselves.”

A few days ago Pooja Bhatt also urged the citizens to wear masks and take necessary precautions on her Instagram handle.

Post said, “we need to empower, educate and empathise with people we see only as a means to an end – our frontline workers, essential service providers, the list is endless.”

COVID-19: Indian Railways will fine you up to Rs 500 for not wearing face mask

Nitin Anand — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 10:04:26 +0000

On Saturday, April 17, Central Railway announced a new Covid-19 rule for all the passengers travelling through the Indian Railways.

Chief Public Relation Officer of Central Railways said, “Railway officials will impose a fine of up to Rs 500 on people, who are found to be not wearing face mask/face cover on railway premises. The order comes into effect immediately.”

This decision was taken due to surge in COVID-19 cases in India and to prevent the spread of infection and make people more aware to wear mask/face cover.

Railway officials will impose a fine of up to Rs 500 on people, who are found to be not wearing face mask/face cover on railway premises. The order comes into effect immediately: Central railway CPRO

— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2021

In the last 24 hours, India reported 2,34,692 new COVID-19 cases and reached the milestone of highest single day surge and 1,23,354 patients got discharge, while 1,341 people died of this deadly virus. Total active cases in India is now around 16.7 lakhs. Total death toll in India reached to 1,75,649.

Actor and columnist Pooja Bedi had recently been criticised by netizens for not wearing a mask on a beach.

Ayushi Deb — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 08:25:03 +0000

Pooja bedi continued to take criticism for her tweet urging people to live freely instead of being ‘caged and masked for a year / years in fear of a virus that is clearly not going away’. She responded to a Twitter user demanding action against her for violating Covid-19 standards by not wearing a mask, reminding her that several politicians are guilty of the same.

“@DGP_Goa @Coll_SouthGoa @Coll_NorthGoa @spsouthgoa @spnorthgoa Celeb is telling people to break covid protocol on Goan Beaches & has posted her video of proof of mask less violation, kindly issue her fine as per law,” a user wrote.

In response, Pooja wrote that Goa is not on lockdown. She added: “Obviously no one will wear a mask while eating, drinking (on a plane, in a restaurant or in public places) or taking a photo / video.” She also asked the man if all politicians pictured without masks at public events should be arrested: “Politicians across the country have been seen posing without masks at functions. Do you want to stop them too?

When a Twitter user asked if Pooja wanted people to go out and “spread the disease,” she replied, “Not at all. U should be careful .. but free your mind from the psychosis of fear. If there is no lock in your condition … heal and strengthen your immune system with nature / sun walks and exercise. Your immunity is your best friend. “

Apple introduces ‘Face-Mask’ for retail and corporate employees to stop the spread of COVID-19

News Desk — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 07:53:18 +0000

Apple Inc. developed these masks to distribute to corporate and retail employees in order to control the spread of COVID-19. Their white mask seems to have 3 different parts with one covering the nose, the other that covers the chin and the main screen, protecting the nose and mouth.

Apple had designed face-masks for its own employees and now we get detailed look at what these masks look like. The American company provides two types of masks to its employees.

In the new unboxing video by a popular YouTuber, Lewis Hilsenteger we get a detailed look at a white mask and the other mask comes with a transparent covering.

The completely white mask seems to have three different parts with one covering the nose and the other that covers the chin. The main screen covers the nose and the mouth. Looking at the box it is evident that Apple provides five units. Each unit, according to Lewis, can be used for a certain number of times and then needs to be discarded. The mask needs to get washed after every use. The white masks also get adjustable strings to get a better fit.

Apple Inc. developed these masks to distribute to corporate and retail employees. The Apple Face Mask is the first created in-house by the Cupertino, California-technology giant for its staff. Apple previously made a different face shield for medical workers and distributed millions of other masks across the health-care sector worldwide.

Apple told staff that the it was developed by the Engineering and Industrial Design teams, this is the same group that works on devices such as the iPhone and iPad. The mask is made up of three layers to filter incoming and outgoing particles. The mask can be washed and can reused for a maximum of five times.

The company said it conducted careful research and testing to find the right materials to filter the air properly while not disrupting the supply of medical personal protective equipment. The other model, the ClearMask, is the first FDA-cleared surgical mask that is completely transparent, Apple told employees.

Apple worked with Washington-based Gallaudet University, which specializes in educating deaf and hard-of-hearing students, to choose which clear mask to use. The company also tested it with employees in three Apple stores. Apple is also exploring its own transparent mask options.

Before designing its own masks, Apple provided employees with standard cloth masks. A cloth face mask is a mask made of common textiles, usually cotton, worn over the mouth and nose. It also offers basic surgical masks to customers visiting its retail stores.

Delhi lawyer fined Rs 500 for not wearing a mask inside his car now demands Rs 10 lakh compensation for public harassment

Nivedya P T — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 10:22:15 +0000

A lawyer in New Delhi who was imposed a fine of Rs 500 for not wearing a mask while driving a car alone approached the High Court asking for a compensation of Rs 10 lakh from the government officials for public mental harassment. According to a report from ‘Amar Ujala’, in his petition, he stated, “On 09.09.2020, at around 11 am, while going to his office, the petitioner’s car was stopped near the Geeta Colony by Delhi Police officials. A police constable Arora took his photo, while the petitioner was still sitting in his car and directed him to get out of the car.

“The lawyer has demanded a refund of the Rs 500 fine imposed on him as well as Rs 10 lakh as compensation. He says that the he wasn’t not wearing a mask in public space but was inside his car which is a private property. Hence the fine is not acceptable. The petition also demanded to see the executive order for wearing masks while traveling alone in a private vehicle.

Apple designs special face masks for employees

Pravin Suryawanshi — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 06:10:18 +0000

Apple Inc. has created masks that the firm is beginning to distribute to corporate and retail workers to reduce COVID-19 infection.

The Apple Face Mask is the first Cupertino, California-technology giant created in-house for its employees.
The other one, called ClearMask, was originated elsewhere. Apple previously made a different face shield for medical workers and distributed millions of other masks across the health-care sector.

Apple told staff that the Face Mask was developed by the Engineering and Industrial Design teams, the same groups that work on devices such as the iPhone and iPad. It is made up of three layers to filter incoming and outgoing particles. It can be washed and reused as many as five times, the company told employees.

In classic Apple theme, the mask looks distinctive for the wearer’s nose and ears, with wide coverings at the top and bottom. It also has adjustable strings that fit around the ears of a person.

The company, which confirmed the news, said it was carrying out careful research and testing to find the right materials to better philter the air, while not disrupting the supply of personal medical protective equipment. Apple will start sending the Apple Face Mask to staff over the next two weeks.

The other model, the ClearMask, is the first FDA-cleared surgical mask that is completely transparent, Apple told employees. It shows the full face so people who are deaf or hard of hearing can better understand what the wearer is saying.

Apple has partnered with Washington-based Gallaudet University, which specializes in educating students
who are deaf and hard-of-hearing, to choose the clear mask to use. The company has also checked it in three Apple stores with its staff. Apple is also considering its own solutions for the transparent mask.

Donald Trump changes his stance on wearing masks, says “he’s all up for it”

Akul Puri — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 09:51:24 +0000

“I am all up for Masks”, said President Donald Trump in an interview with Fox Business Network on Wednesday. He further assured that he has no problem in wearing masks in public and said that people have seen him wearing one when he’s surrounded by a group of people and cannot maintain a 10 feet distance. He further reassured that it doesn’t happen since he’s the president and everyone has to get tested before they meet him.

During his visit to the Ford plant in Detroit in the month of May, the president said that he was wearing a facial covering but took it off before facing the cameras because he “didn’t want to give the press the pleasure of seeing it”. “It was a dark black mask and I thought it looked okay. Looked like the lone ranger”, he added in his interview with Fox Business news.

Over the past few months, even after being reiterated and suggested by the World Health Organization, President Trump has always accentuated that choosing to wear a mask is a personal decision. After not obliging to the suggestion of wearing masks by the US Center for Disease Control, he said that “he doesn’t see himself doing it while meeting the Presidents, Prime Ministers, Kings or Queens”.

Trump’s resistance to wear a mask has been evident by his ‘mask-less’ public appearances. On June 5, the Republican president chose to not wear a mask while visiting a medical swab manufacturing plant in Maine, reports Al Jazeera.

In the past few months, the resistance has not only been showcased by Trump but the general public as well when some Florida’s residents labelled the mask mandate as ‘political dogma’. They claimed that enforcing the wearing of a mask is a threat to their ‘liberty to breathe’ as reported in a video released by The Telegraph.

As per BBC News, Donald Trump’s supporters who will be attending the July 3 independence day celebration at Mount Rushmore, will not be forced to wear any masks.

On June 6, the World Health Organization revised its recommendation and said that masks should be worn in public places where social distancing cannot be followed. They also said that the mask is one of the tools from a range which could regulate the transmission of the Coronavirus.