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Thursday, February 19, 2026
TopicMasks

Topic: Masks

As Mumbai’s Covid cases see 5-fold spurt in month, BMC intensifies testing-vaccination push

BMC warns of symptomatic cases increasing with onset of monsoon. Maharashtra Health Minister Tope says govt monitoring situation, but no need to panic as hospitalisation rate low.

With spike in Covid cases again, what does mask-abandonment mean for public health

As Covid cases rise again, the question is whether we should adhere to masking even if it isn't mandatory.

Back to normal, but a new one — what is govt’s road map for end of Covid curbs

Although Disaster Management Act will no longer be invoked after 31 March, states have been advised to continue Covid surveillance and pursue evidence-based decisionmaking.

Persisting with masks after vaccination has major economic, health benefits, Lancet study says

Face mask use in public indoor spaces for at least 2 weeks after achieving 70% vaccination coverage reduces hospitalisation and deaths, the study says.

ZyCov-D a welcome addition to India’s vaccine basket. Follow the science on mixing boosters now

ThePrint view on the most important issues, instantly.

Not just RT-PCR tests, now your ‘smart’ masks will also tell you if you have Covid-19

Researchers in Japan are using ostrich antibodies to detect Covid-19 under ultraviolet light, something they say will help pick up asymptomatic cases.

Mask compliance remains low, survey says 1 in 3 Indians don’t carry mask when stepping out

Only 2% of respondents reported mask-compliance in their area, found a LocalCircles survey, a drop from 12% in September and a steeper fall from 29% in April.

Beware of Covid this festive season, only 6% Indians see ‘good’ social distancing around them

Survey released by LocalCircles based on 65,000 responses from 366 districts also shows only 13% people say there’s more than 90% compliance with masking protocols.

Even a simple surgical mask can prevent spread of Covid, German study says

In environments with potentially high airborne virus concentrations such as medical settings & densely occupied indoor spaces, masks with higher filtration efficiency should be used.

US nears victory over virus as CDC lifts most guidance on wearing masks

The guidance shift signals a broad return to everyday life, and is also a bet that any surge in spread from relaxed guidelines won’t be enough to reverse progress in inoculations.

On Camera

Telangana spoke up for Muslim vendor who was attacked. South is different from the North

A poor Muslim man from Kurnool, selling khoya buns during the Medaram Jatara in Telangana, was harassed by some YouTubers and surrounded by a mob over allegations of 'food jihad'.

In the West, there’s anxiety. In India, optimism—Rishi Sunak says India poised to be leader in AI

On Wednesday, the former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was speaking in New Delhi at a Carnegie & Observer Research Foundation event on AI.

US military commander, envoy Sergio Gor visit Indian Army Western Command, Bengaluru next

At the Western Army Command, the American delegation was briefed on the capabilities of the formation, past operations and the path ahead.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.