Updated on: January 27, 2022 / 11:39 AM / Essentials
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's current recommendation is that fully vaccinated Americans in parts of the country with "substantial or high transmission" of COVID-19 should wear face masks indoors. And right now, with the number of COVID cases hitting new record highs nationwide amid the Omicron variant, more than 99.5% of all U.S. counties fall into the red "high transmission" tier. (You can check the community transmission status of your own county at the CDC COVID Data Tracker website.)
In some places, such as New York and California, wearing masks indoors is again mandatory . The CDC says, in its most recent update on the omicron variant, that vaccination is the best step the public can take to protect against severe illness and slow the emergence of new variants. But, the agency notes, "masks offer protection against all variants."
Where can you get these important, protective face masks? The Biden administration recently announced it would make 400 million free N95 face masks available to the American public. There are some important catches to this deal, though: You'll need to pick the free masks up at your local pharmacy or community health center (availability starts this week ), and quantities will likely be limited per person. If you need a steady supply of masks, buying your own N95s online or in stores is still your best bet.
The CDC further recommends face masks that have multiple layers of material. For extra protection, a disposable mask underneath a cloth mask is recommended (double masking). Wash your cloth masks between uses, and be sure to only wear disposable masks once. The CDC recommends against single-layer masks, and masks that do not form a proper leak-free fit over your mouth and nose. For optimal protection, you'll want to look for an N95 mask, designed to filter at least 95% of all airborne particles. KN95 masks offer a similar level of protection, but be careful when buying -- the CDC warns that roughly 60% of KN95 masks being offered for sale are counterfeit.
You can check out our guide to N95 face masks for more information on these masks, including where to purchase them. We also have information about KN95 and KF94 face masks for kids , and information about how to avoid buying a counterfeit N95 and KN95 mask .
There are plenty of face mask options available for purchase online for adults and children alike from Amazon, Nordstrom and more, including N95s. And many are available at big discounts. Here are some mask options you can shop right now.
Pick up these face masks from Madewell, currently on deep discount at Nordstrom. These cotton masks feature three-layer construction with a filter and adjustable ear loops. They're also available in another color and print combination.
Madewell assorted adjustable adult face masks (3 pack), $9.90 (reduced from $24)
These dual-layer pastel masks from Caraa come in a cheery confetti print. They're washable, have a nose wire and can be used with a filter. There are other prints available too.
Caraa printed universal adult masks (4 pack), $25
This new Honeywell design is made to fit more face shapes and minimize pressure points. It comes in a pack of 20.
Honeywell DC300 N95 particulate disposable respirators (20 pack), $30
If you're willing to purchase 50 masks, these N95s from Kimberly-Clark have a large breathing chamber for comfort and soft but strong headbands. After a short period of unavailability, these N95 masks are back in stock at Amazon for quick shipping, so grab them before they sell out (again).
Kimberly-Clark professional N95 pouch respirator (50 pack), $58
The moldable, washable Under Armour Sportsmask (available in multiple sizes) offers breathing room between your mouth and the mask surface, so you're not constantly inhaling mask fabric while trying to exercise. Made with a three-layer construction.
Under Armour Sportsmask, $24 and up
These sweat-wicking masks from Lululemon, available in nine colorways, are a comfortable-to-wear choice for working out. While this mask is designed for exercise, note that it is not a medical-grade mask and is not ideal for day-to-day use.
Lululemon ear loop face mask (3 pack), $38
These washable, double-layer masks from Nordstrom, made out of jersey cotton, feature a tie dye print and a built-in cotton filter pocket. Adjustable ear loops with sliding straps help secure it in place on your face.
The four pack of masks is currently 76% off -- that's less than $1.50 per mask. For each package of masks purchased, Nordstrom will donate a mask to "help protect kids and families in our communities."
Assorted adult face masks (4 pack), $5.90 (reduced from $25)
These Herschel masks, available in eight colors and prints, currently have a buy one, get one free discount. They're made with three layers and have a sleeve that fits an air filter. They have an adjustable nose bridge and ear loops. They also come with a connection lock that you can wrap around your head and attach to both loops to ease the pressure of the loops on your ears.
Herschel classic fitted face mask, $15 (buy one get one free)
Choose from all sorts of kid-friendly prints in this disposable, four-layer face mask. The mask's design prevents gaping and it won't cling to their mouths. Recommended for kids ages 3 through 12.
Brookwood Medical kids disposable face masks (30 pack), $41
If you struggle with your glasses or sunglasses fogging up when you wear a face mask, try this no-slip Oakley mask, which promises to solve this issue. It fits snugly on the face and has adjustable straps. It has an aluminum nose bridge that allows for easy adjustments around your glasses, and a semi-rigid mask body that promises to keep the mask slightly off your face for improved breathability. (Replacement filters are available for purchase.)
Oakley MSK3 anti-fog face mask, $53 (reduced from $60)
First published on August 9, 2021 / 5:34 PM
Word of the plan emerged as the White House warned Moscow may seize the assets of U.S. and international companies that are pulling out of or suspending operations in Russia.
The Senate approved the $1.5 trillion legislation by a 68-31 bipartisan margin.
Colombia would join more than a dozen countries on the major non-NATO ally list.
Smollett faced up to three years in prison for each of the five felony counts.
As Luis, Delgado, a Mexican American, got to play an ordinary, non-stereotypical Latino character at a time when such depictions were few and far between on TV, for adults or children.
Word of the plan emerged as the White House warned Moscow may seize the assets of U.S. and international companies that are pulling out of or suspending operations in Russia.
The Senate approved the $1.5 trillion legislation by a 68-31 bipartisan margin.
Russia "has a track record of falsely accusing the West of the very violations that Russia itself is perpetrating," a U.S. spokesperson said.
Colombia would join more than a dozen countries on the major non-NATO ally list.
But the company says calls for violence against Russian civilians will not be allowed.
Some police departments are dispatching mental health professionals instead of officers to certain emergencies.
TSA extended the mask mandate on planes and other public transportation until April 18.
A Colorado police department is dispatching mental health professionals instead of police officers to certain 911 calls. Jeff Pegues reports.
A new study of "excess deaths" estimates the pandemic's true toll has already surpassed 1 million in the U.S.
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla says his company is not cutting ties with Russia entirely, as that nation's invasion of Ukraine is about to enter its third week.
Consumers may incur an extra $2,000 in fuel costs this year, and fuel prices could still be headed higher.
Soaring energy costs are driving the price hikes, while the Ukraine war is expected to drive inflation even higher.
Although public pressure is building on major corporations to exit the country, a number of prominent players carry on.
The tax agency says it wants to hire thousands of workers on the spot at hiring events on March 16, 23 and 30.
Aluminum, nickel and palladium have all seen dramatic price hikes in March, driven by the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
Word of the plan emerged as the White House warned Moscow may seize the assets of U.S. and international companies that are pulling out of or suspending operations in Russia.
Russia "has a track record of falsely accusing the West of the very violations that Russia itself is perpetrating," a U.S. spokesperson said.
Colombia would join more than a dozen countries on the major non-NATO ally list.
A new study of "excess deaths" estimates the pandemic's true toll has already surpassed 1 million in the U.S.
A Ukrainian mother and her children fleeing the Russian invasion were turned back at the U.S. border by officials who cited a Trump-era restriction, according to the family's lawyer.
As Luis, Delgado, a Mexican American, got to play an ordinary, non-stereotypical Latino character at a time when such depictions were few and far between on TV, for adults or children.
The agreement comes after weeks of stalemate delayed games and threatened to upend the season.
Just like her brother, X Æ A-12, this baby has a unique name.
"Blue Bloods" actors Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg join "CBS Mornings" to celebrate the show filming its 250th episode. They discuss what the milestone means and their friendship after playing father and son for over a decade.
Award-winning chef and Milk Bar owner Christina Tosi joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss her new book, "Dessert Can Save the World: Stories, Secrets, and Recipes for a Stubbornly Joyful Experience." She discusses her path to success and life lessons she's learned through baking.
But the company says calls for violence against Russian civilians will not be allowed.
Web exclusive: David Pogue's extended conversation with Inna Sovsun, a professor and Ukrainian Parliament member who's now active in the social-media resistance.
Misinformation has been spreading in the nearly two weeks since Russian troops invaded Ukraine. CBS News' Tanya Rivero and Nancy Chen talked with Emily Dalton Smith, the vice president of social impact at Meta, about steps the social media company is taking to battle inaccurate or unsubstantiated posts as well as provide support for Ukrainians.
House panel accuses Amazon executives of making "false and misleading statements" about the company's practices.
Third-generation iPhone SE marks the first upgrade to the bare-bones version of Apple's most popular product.
Scientists used brown rats as the modern reference species, and found they could reconstruct 95 percent of the Christmas Island rat genome.
Underwater drones helped searchers spot the wreck, described as remarkably intact, 108 years after ship went down in icy waters.
Millions of the spiders spun three-dimensional golden webs in Georgia in 2021 and a new study says they could spread "throughout most of the Eastern seaboard."
Pfizer CEO Dr. Albert Bourla joins “CBS Mornings” to discuss vaccine hesitancy and talk about his new book "Moonshot," which chronicles the company's remarkable push to create a COVID-19 vaccine.
The United Nations released an alarming climate report on Monday detailing how the world is not doing enough to fight climate change. CBS News' senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy joins Jericka Duncan to discuss.
Jussie Smollett issued a forceful statement after he was sentenced to 30 months felony probation, which will include 150 days in jail, for lying to police about an alleged hate crime in 2019. Smollett again proclaimed his innocence, and told the courtroom that if anything happens to him in jail, he did not do it himself. Watch his remarks here.
Jussie Smollett was sentenced to 30 months felony probation, which will include 150 days in jail, for lying to police about an alleged hate crime in 2019. Smollett, best known for his role in the TV show "Empire," was convicted in December of five counts of lying to police about the attack but has maintained throughout his extensive legal battles that it was real. Watch part of the judge's statement and Smollett's reaction here.
Police logged 56 suspected antisemitic hate crimes citywide in February, up from 11 in February 2021.
The prosecutor said Ray used "violence, fear, sex and manipulation" to gain sex, power and money.
Camacho and a friend were shot while they sat in a Ford Mustang outside a bar in November 2012.
SpaceX has sent Starlink terminals to Ukraine to help keep the embattled nation connected to the western world
Retired NASA astronaut Scott Kelly hit a nerve with Russian space chief Dmitry Rogozin in wake of Ukraine invasion.
The director of the Russian space program severs commercial ties with the West; space station operations continue normally for now.
Scientists expect the object to carve out a hole up to 66 feet across and send moon dust flying hundreds of miles across the barren surface.
The third of four upgraded GOES satellites will help monitor weather affecting the entire United States.
These colleges come with a hefty price tag
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Russia's invasion has spawned the biggest movement of people in Europe in decades. They're just the latest of millions of others who have been displaced by conflict, violence or insecurity.
Ally Kostial loved attending the University of Mississippi. Her life was cut short on July 20, 2019, when she was shot dead by a fellow student at a desolate fishing camp about 30 miles from campus.
Growing toll of Russian invasion of Ukraine; U.S. intel officials testify on biggest threats
A New Jersey boy goes surfing every day – no matter the weather – for a good reason. A bride wore a special tactile wedding dress for her groom, who is blind. And the unique way moms are letting out their pent-up frustrations. Plus, in honor of Women's History Month, we shine a light on a woman bonding with her community.
Hundreds of U.S. and international companies have withdrawn from Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Now the White House says it has reports the Russians are considering seizing the assets of those companies. This comes as shelling intensifies around Ukraine's port cities. CSB News foreign correspondent Ian Lee has the latest.
Jussie Smollett issued a forceful statement after he was sentenced to 30 months felony probation, which will include 150 days in jail, for lying to police about an alleged hate crime in 2019. Smollett again proclaimed his innocence, and told the courtroom that if anything happens to him in jail, he did not do it himself. Watch his remarks here.
Jussie Smollett was sentenced to 30 months felony probation, which will include 150 days in jail, for lying to police about an alleged hate crime in 2019. Smollett, best known for his role in the TV show "Empire," was convicted in December of five counts of lying to police about the attack but has maintained throughout his extensive legal battles that it was real. Watch part of the judge's statement and Smollett's reaction here.
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