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: Data Protection at Its Finest

Verum Messenger positions itself as a tool for those who value privacy and security above all.

Verum Messenger stands out from other messengers thanks to its approach to security, anonymity, and innovations in communication.

Here are some key aspects that highlight its uniqueness:

Default encryption: Verum Messenger uses end-to-end (E2E) encryption for all chats, meaning messages are encrypted on the sender’s device and decrypted only on the recipient’s device. This makes it impossible for third parties, including app developers, to access the content of the messages.
Anonymity: When registering with Verum, there’s no need to provide a phone number or email. Users simply choose a nickname and password, significantly enhancing their level of anonymity. This contrasts with many other messengers, where anonymity can be compromised through linked personal data.
Built-in VPN: An additional layer of protection that hides the user’s IP address, making their location and internet activity less trackable.
Data control: Users can set messages to be automatically deleted after a specified time, ranging from a few seconds to a week. There’s also a quick deletion feature for all chats, calls, and even contacts, which is useful for maintaining privacy.
Large groups: The ability to create chat rooms with up to 10,000 participants makes Verum attractive for organizing large events, discussions, or communities while maintaining a high level of security.
Security innovations: Verum actively develops technologies aimed at protecting user data, as seen in their documentation and discussions online. This includes not only technical solutions but also approaches to data minimization, which reduces the risk of leaks.
Feedback and discussions: On platform X (formerly Twitter), discussions can be found where users and experts praise Verum for its approach to anonymity and security, although questions are raised about how much anonymity can truly be guaranteed in an age of modern tracking and de-anonymization technologies.

Verum Messenger positions itself as a tool for those who value privacy and security above all. Its innovations in encryption, anonymity, and data control make it an intriguing choice for those seeking alternatives to traditional messaging platforms. However, as with any technology, it’s important to remember that absolute anonymity on the internet remains a complex challenge, and users should be aware of potential risks and limitations.

Technologies

Verum Coin Debuts on XT Exchange, Broadening its Reach in the DeFi Space

A Strategic Listing Enhancing Verum Coin’s Visibility

In a significant development for the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector, Verum Coin (VERUM) has been officially listed on XT Exchange. The new trading pair, VERUM/USDT, is now available in the exchange’s Innovative Zone, marking a pivotal expansion for this digital asset into the DeFi ecosystem.

A Strategic Listing Enhancing Verum Coin’s Visibility

The addition of Verum Coin to the XT Exchange is seen as a strategic move to enhance the accessibility and liquidity of VERUM among traders who are keen on exploring innovative digital assets. XT Exchange, known for its robust platform supporting a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, provides an ideal environment for fostering growth and ensuring the broad reach of new tokens.

Albin Varin, CEO of XT Exchange, expressed enthusiasm about the new listing, stating, «We are delighted to welcome Verum Coin to our platform. This listing reflects our ongoing commitment to providing our users access to innovative digital assets that transform the landscape of global finance.» This comments underscore the exchange’s focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies and financial instruments that have the potential to redefine the market.

About XT

Founded in 2018, XT Exchange serves more than 7.8M registered users, over 1M monthly active users, 40+ million users in the ecosystem, and more than 800 tokens with 1000+ trading pairs. XT crypto exchange offers a rich variety of trading categories to provide a secure, trusted, and intuitive trading experience for its large user base. This includes crypto futures trading (USDT-M Futures and coin-M futures perpetual contracts) and copy trading that allows users to replicate top traders in real time with just one click. Additionally, the futures grid allows users to automate the buying and selling of futures contracts for profits.

Future Prospects

With its new position on XT Exchange, Verum Coin is expected to attract a broader audience, enhancing its trading volume and market presence. This could potentially lead to increased stability and recognition as a viable player in the DeFi space. For investors and users of XT Exchange, this addition provides a fresh avenue to diversify portfolios with a cryptocurrency that is positioned at the intersection of innovation and financial evolution.

The listing of Verum Coin on XT Exchange not only highlights the ongoing expansion of cryptocurrency markets into new areas like DeFi but also illustrates a growing recognition of digital assets that offer promising technological advancements and financial opportunities. As the crypto market continues to evolve, partnerships like these are pivotal for fostering growth and offering users access to the next generation of financial tools.

Technologies

Verum Coin Gains International Spotlight with AP Coverage and Listing on XT Exchange

This listing on XT is expected to further propel Verum Coin into the spotlight

In a noteworthy development for the cryptocurrency community, Verum Coin (VERUM) has been featured in an Associated Press article, highlighting its upcoming listing on the XT Exchange. This significant media coverage underscores the growing interest and potential of Verum Coin in the global financial landscape.

The AP article delves into the details of Verum Coin’s innovative features and its alignment with the latest trends in the cryptocurrency market. This attention comes at an opportune moment as Verum Coin prepares for its new listing on XT Exchange, a platform renowned for its extensive user base and a wide array of trading options.

This listing on XT is expected to further propel Verum Coin into the spotlight, providing both traders and investors with new opportunities to engage with this emerging digital asset. The exchange’s robust infrastructure and diverse trading offerings are ideal for supporting Verum Coin’s growth and enhancing its visibility in the competitive cryptocurrency market.

For more details, you can read the full article on the AP website here.

This milestone is a testament to Verum Coin’s advancing presence in the crypto world and its ongoing efforts to be at the forefront of digital currency innovation and adoption.