Technologies

Mask mandates now in 8 states, federal mask requirements extended

The COVID-19 omicron variant has prompted more indoor mask mandates. President Joe Biden has also extended the federal mask mandate through March 2022.

For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the WHO and CDC websites.

With the omicron variant now detected in 39 states in the US, federal mask mandates have been extended until March 18 in an effort to curb the spread, President Joe Biden recently announced. The federal mandate was originally supposed to expire on Jan. 18.

The federal requirement to wear a mask over the nose and mouth applies to people riding the bus, train and airplanes The extension is driven by a concern that the country could soon be fighting two COVID-19 variants at once. The highly contagious delta variant is still circling the country, while the new omicron variant has cases rising rapidly.

Last week, a statewide mask mandate for California was reinstated for indoor public places — effective Wednesday — and will last at least a month. California joins seven other states (Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Washington) and Puerto Rico in requiring most people to wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. Connecticut’s indoor mask mandate only applies to the unvaccinated.

The World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to recommend everyone wear a face mask in crowded areas, regardless of vaccination status. While scientists are testing the effects of omicron on existing vaccines, it’s possible for people with breakthrough infections to spread any COVID-19 variant. Although the CDC believes vaccinated people may be contagious for shorter periods of time, they can and do contribute to new cases, especially for people who are asymptomatic and may not be aware they’re infected.

Both the WHO and CDC agree that people who aren’t vaccinated should continue to wear face masks because they account for the majority of COVID-19 cases and deaths around the world. As omicron spans the globe, scientists agree that anyone eligible for a booster shot should get one (here’s how to quickly make an appointment). We continue to update this story as new information comes to light.

Here’s the latest on mask mandates and tighter restrictions

The Biden administration extended its mask mandates for those traveling by trains, buses and airplanes on Dec. 2 due to concerns around the new omicron variant. And while the US has travel bans to prevent the new variant from spreading, omicron has already made its way into at least 39 states.

Other countries have also begun tightening COVID-19 restrictions. For instance, Germany recently announced a lockdown for those who are unvaccinated. Some states in the US have also tightened restrictions, requiring proof of full vaccination to enter businesses.

Which states have mask mandates?

The following states require most people to wear masks while in an indoor public setting.

California
Hawaii
Illinois
Nevada
New Mexico
New York
Oregon
Washington

The territory of Puerto Rico also requires masks for everyone indoors, while Connecticut requires masks indoors only for unvaccinated people.

Why are coronavirus variants like omicron and delta serious?

A new study shows omicron is four times more transmissible than the delta variant, which was considered the most contagious of the variants identified so far, according to the WHO, but omicron tests are still underway and guidance could change. It’s too early to tell how dangerous the omicron variant is at this time, though symptoms so far appear mild. It is understood to have more mutations than the delta variant.

Both variants are spreading among both the vaccinated and unvaccinated population, though hospitalizations, serious illness and death are less likely to occur in those who are fully vaccinated. Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, director of the CDC, on Friday said nearly 80% of the confirmed omicron cases in the US are fully vaccinated, with about a third also having received a booster.

CDC guidance: Fully vaccinated should continue wearing masks in some areas

The current CDC guidance for mask wearing says that everyone age 2 years and older, vaccinated and unvaccinated, should continue wearing masks indoors when in public places, especially if in a high COVID-19 transmission area, to help prevent spreading the disease to others.

Earlier this year, the guidelines said those who are fully vaccinated can «resume activities without wearing masks or physically distancing» except where required, such as in planes and businesses. But that guidance quickly changed over the summer when it was found the delta variant can cause breakthrough infections in vaccinated people.

What is the WHO’s position on mask wearing?

Wearing a mask consistently continues to be important, even for people who are vaccinated, a WHO official said during a press briefing. «People cannot feel safe just because they had the two doses. They still need to protect themselves.»

Wearing masks in public places is essential to keep people from inhaling particles that will cause them to become sick, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, an American infectious disease epidemiologist, said during the same briefing.

While the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are showing robust protection against variants, breakthrough infections can still occur.

For more information, here’s what you need to know about «long COVID» and how it’s treated. Also, read up on these COVID-19 vaccine side effects and important dos and don’ts of getting your COVID-19 vaccine.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Launches an AI Mini-Series

Verum Messenger has unveiled a new project — a mini-series created using Verum AI. The story consists of 7 episodes and will be released on the messenger’s social media channels.

The plot revolves around a global corporation seeking to take control of digital communications and a group of heroes who use Verum Messenger as a tool of resistance. Beyond the story itself, the series highlights the app’s key features, technologies, and advantages.

Combining entertainment with a showcase of the Verum ecosystem, the project presents a dynamic digital series designed for the modern era.

The first episode premieres today, with the remaining episodes to be released over time.

Stay tuned for more.

Watch on YouTube
Watch on Instagram

Technologies

Verum Finance: Earn While You Communicate — The Super App That Pays You

Verum has officially launched Verum Finance, an innovative financial application that transforms a private messenger into a true financial super app. News of the launch was also featured on the respected platform Dealroom.co.

Verum Finance can now be used both within Verum Messenger and as a standalone application for iPhone and iPad. When users sign in to Verum Finance with their Verum Messenger account, all balances, settings, and account data are automatically synchronized for maximum convenience.

Users can now do more than communicate securely and protect their data — they can also generate passive income directly within the ecosystem.

What Verum Finance Offers

• Top up your balance with a bank card, Apple Pay, or USDT
• Send money instantly anywhere in the world
• Issue and manage debit cards (virtual and physical)
• Full Apple Pay support
• Exchange assets and withdraw funds quickly

One of the most unique features is the built-in cryptocurrency mining system inside Verum Messenger.

The application utilizes your device’s resources and allows you to earn cryptocurrency in the background — passively, while chatting, traveling, or simply using the messenger.

Maximum Privacy + Real Freedom

• Registration without a phone number, email address, or passport
• End-to-end encryption and full control over your data
• Lifetime free VPN
• eSIM connectivity in more than 150 countries
• Reliable offline communication mode
• Support for 12+ languages for users worldwide

Everything is available in one place: secure communication, financial tools, earning opportunities, and privacy protection.

Users can access the full experience directly within Verum Messenger or switch to the dedicated Verum Finance app for iOS. All data is synchronized automatically between the two applications.

Why Download Verum Today

While many messaging platforms collect user data and expose users to restrictions, Verum offers greater independence and the opportunity to earn.

With a one-time purchase of the feature package, users receive lifetime access to privacy tools, VPN, eSIM services, cryptocurrency mining, and financial features.

This is more than just a messenger.

It is your personal tool for financial and digital freedom.

Download Verum Finance and Verum Messenger today — start communicating securely and begin earning tomorrow.

Download Links:

→ App Store (iPhone / iPad): Verum Finance
→ App Store (Verum Messenger): Verum Messenger

Technologies

Verum Finance: A Super App for Private Finance Integrated Into a Messenger

Verum Finance has announced the launch of a new financial application that allows users to manage their money directly within the secure Verum Messenger ecosystem.

The project has already attracted attention from major media outlets. A dedicated feature was published by Forbes Türkiye, while one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, MEXC, covered the launch. Yahoo Finance had previously reported on the evolution of Verum Messenger into a comprehensive financial ecosystem.

What Verum Finance Offers

Verum Finance transforms a messenger into a complete financial platform. Users can:

• Manage their balance and top up using bank cards or USDT
• Send money instantly to other Verum users
• Issue and use debit cards, including Apple Pay support
• Exchange assets and withdraw funds
• Access all these services without installing separate banking applications

A strong emphasis is placed on privacy. The platform offers registration without a phone number or email address, end-to-end encryption, and full user control over personal data.

Recognition from Forbes Türkiye

In a dedicated article, Forbes Türkiye highlighted Verum Finance as a notable example of modern privacy-driven fintech. The publication emphasized the growing trend of financial services moving from standalone banking applications into unified messaging ecosystems — a model that has proven successful in Asia through platforms such as WeChat and Alipay and is now expanding globally.

Support from the Crypto Community

Alongside the Forbes Türkiye coverage, news about the launch of Verum Finance was also featured by MEXC, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges. This reflects growing interest in the project from both traditional business media and the cryptocurrency community.

A Strategic Vision

“We are building more than a payments application and more than a messenger. Verum is a unified secure ecosystem where communication, finance, and privacy tools work together,” the company stated.

Verum Finance is now available for iPhone and iPad users. The application complements Verum Messenger, which offers anonymous chats, voice and video calls, VPN services, eSIM connectivity, and other tools designed to enhance digital freedom.

Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im

Verum Messenger: https://verum.im