Anti-mask protesters' new weapon: wearing masks that offer no COVID-19 protection

[Valin]

WTHR

Face masks made of mesh, crochet (yarn) or lace are now popular items being offered by online retailers.

Bob Segall

July 16 2020

NDIANAPOLIS — As more communities and businesses adopt mandatory mask orders, supporters of an “anti-mask” movement are looking to make a statement. They are wearing masks that cover their nose and mouth but provide no ability to slow the spread of disease.

"I wore a mask that is designed for protecting your face in a paintball battle. You can easily breathe through it. I walked all around the store, talked to employees, and other shoppers, and every one of them could see my mouth," said a Florida man who posted a video showing him wearing a mesh mask to a Tampa Walmart. "It was almost like not wearing a mask at all. Nobody cared. That's because it's not about safety. It's all about compliance."

Other social media posts show anti-mask advocates wearing mesh masks intended to comply with the letter – but not the spirit – of municipal and corporate rules mandating face coverings.

And masks made of mesh, crochet (yarn) or lace are now popular items being offered by internet retailers. Most include warnings stating the items “are NOT intended for protection or COVID use.” But protection is not what anti-mask protesters are looking for.

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Protesters oppose potential mask mandates in Jefferson, Franklin counties

Russell Kinsaul

Jul 22, 2020

HILLSBORO, Mo. (KMOV.com) -- A group of about 50 protesters gathered outside the Jefferson County Health Department Tuesday. They wanted to convince the health department board that was meeting inside, not to impose a county-wide mandate that everyone should wear a mask.

"My body, my choice. And I don't want to wear a mask and it's my choice," said Carol Boyster.

Most were opposed to a mandate because they believe that it's an infringement on their freedom.

"There's no reason for mandated masks, it's unconstitutional," said Suzanne Martin.

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July 21 2020

Protesters say being forced to wear masks goes against the Canadian Charter of Rights and is a violation of personal liberty, security of person, individual freedom, and equality.

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Citing skepticism, conspiracy theories, protests held against mask ordinances in Montreal, Quebec City

July 26 2020

MONTREAL -- While masks have been mandatory for Quebec's indoor spaces for a week, some of the province's residents are protesting the rule.

On Saturday, demonstrators held an anti-mask demonstration on Mount-Royal and a similar event was held on Sunday in Quebec City.

Attendees said they believe they should have the choice to wear a mask and it shouldn't be up to the government to mandate their use. Others expressed skepticism and cited conspiracy theories about masks and, in some cases, the COVID-19 pandemic itself.

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Thousands protest in Berlin against coronavirus restrictions

Aug. 1 2020

BERLIN (AP) — Thousands protested Germany’s coronavirus restrictions Saturday in a Berlin demonstration marking what organizers called “the end of the pandemic” — a declaration that comes just as authorities are voicing increasing concerns about an uptick in new infections.

With few masks in sight, a dense crowd marched through downtown Berlin from the Brandenburg Gate.

Protesters who came from across the country held up homemade signs with slogans like “Corona, false alarm,” “We are being forced to wear a muzzle,” “Natural defense instead of vaccination” and “We are the second wave.”

They chanted, “We’re here and we’re loud, because we are being robbed of our freedom!”

Police used bullhorns to chide participants to adhere to social distancing rules and to wear masks, apparently with little success. They tweeted that they drew up a criminal complaint against the rally’s organizer for failing to enforce hygiene rules, then said shortly afterward that the organizer had ended the march.

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Dutch Celebrities Face Backlash After Rejecting Efforts To Prevent COVID-19

Scott Neuman

September 24, 202012:25 PM ET

Several Dutch celebrities are being heavily criticized after announcing they would no longer take part in public efforts to combat COVID-19 and for their apparent support of a conspiracy theory suggesting that the government is using fear of the virus to control the population.

With the hashtag #ikdoenietmeermee ("I no longer participate"), the musicians and influencers, led by 21-year-old rapper and model Famke Louise, posted videos to social media saying they were opting out of campaigns to promote social distancing and the use of face masks.

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Later, on the popular talk show Jinek, Famke Louise sought to clarify her position. "I don't mind the 1.5m [5 foot] society," she said of those who practice social distancing. "It's about the principle that we live in a society where people need their freedom, in which people just want to have fun."

The YouTube star turned rapper was among a number of celebrities and influencers who had previously appeared in government-funded campaigns to promote public health measures aimed at containing the deadly coronavirus.

Others high-profile individuals in the Netherlands who signed on to the #ikdoenietmeermee hashtag include hip-hop star Bizzey, 35, and the singers Tim Douwsma, 32, and Thomas Berge, 30.

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Violent protests erupt in Naples over Covid curfew

24 October 2020, 10:23

Maddie Goodfellow

 

Violent protests have erupted in Naples, Rome and Barcelona overnight against new Covid restrictions brought in to curb the rising second wave of cases in Europe.

Italy's three largest cities face new curfews as regional authorities try to slow the spread of Covid-19 where it first struck hard in Europe.

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Airline Adds Hundreds Of Names To ‘No Fly’ List — Typically Reserved For Terrorists — Over Mask Refusal

" ... we’ve added 460 people to our no-fly list for refusing to comply with our mask requirement."

Amanda Prestigiacomo

Oct 26, 2020 

A memo sent by Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian alerted employees that 460 people have been added to no-fly lists for refusing to comply with mask mandates from the airline.

The no fly lists are typically reserved for suspected terrorists.

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France lockdown: Paris gridlocked as tens of thousands flee city ahead of new nationwide Covid shutdown

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France lockdown: Paris gridlocked as tens of thousands flee city ahead of new nationwide Covid shutdown

 

 

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Demonstrators protest against California's new 10pm curfew

Nov. 22 2020

Outraged Californians marched across the Pacific Coast Highway and cheered when a face mask was set aflame during a protest against the state's month-long curfew that started Saturday. 

The newest restriction from Gov. Gavin Newsom came as The Golden State recorded a concerning uptick in cases, hospitalizations and positivity rates. 

The newest restrictions require people to stay home from 10pm to 5am unless they are responding to an emergency, shopping for groceries, picking up takeout or walking their dogs. The month-long curfew could be extended if rapidly worsening trends don't improve.

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