In-N-Out will bar employees in five states from wearing masks unless they have a doctor’s note, according to internal company emails leaked on social media last week.

U.S. health officials are restating their recommendation that Americans wear masks on planes, trains and buses, despite a court ruling last month that struck down a national mask mandate on public transportation.

Boston has urged people to start wearing masks, and the Biden administration is weighing its next legal step in a court fight over the abrupt end of the national mask mandate on airplanes and mass transit.

The White House says it is reviewing the next steps and may still appeal a federal judge’s decision to overturn a nationwide mask mandate on public transportation.

Americans who have been clamoring for an end to mask-wearing have welcomed new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

During a Friday call, the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention announced it would change its recommendations to remove or ease mask mandates in areas it sees as lower risk for COVID-19 transmission.

Publix employees who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer have to wear a mast on the job.

The Biden administration will begin making 400 million N95 masks available for free to U.S. residents starting next week, now that federal officials are emphasizing their better protection against the omicron variant of COVID-19 over cloth face coverings.

The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the agency is preparing to update information on its website about face masks but continues to recommend that everyone wear some type of mask.

UF Health is recommending that people wear N95 or KN95 masks in public settings rather than cloth or surgical masks, which don’t fit as closely to the face.

Citing a new state law signed Thursday by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Duval County Public Schools says it is suspending its requirement for parents to opt their children out of wearing a face covering.

Students attending Duval County Public Schools no longer need a doctor’s note, but they still need paperwork signed by a parent or guardian to opt out of wearing a mask in the classroom.

Duval County students no longer need a doctor’s note to opt out of wearing a face mask.

The state and six school districts called their final witnesses Friday in an administrative hearing over the state’s school COVID-19 policies.

Duval County, Alachua County and a handful of other Florida school districts will lose state funds for requiring students to wear masks in violation of a state rule prohibiting such mandates.

The number of Florida school districts facing sanctions at Thursday’s State Board of Education meeting over mask policies is now down to nine.

Parents of students who attend schools in Duval and Alachua counties have filled an emergency petition, asking for changes to be made to their school boards’ mask policies and quarantine procedures.

The fine previously started at $250 and went up to $1,500 for repeat offenders.

The Duval County School Board on Tuesday voted to automatically lift the district’s mask mandate once the COVID-19 positivity rate in the community reaches a “moderate level.”

After hours of sometimes fiery debate involving doctors, parents and local leaders, the Duval County School Board on Monday made the controversial and potentially costly decision to require face masks.

Parents of 15 children filed a lawsuit Friday challenging Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order banning mask mandates in Florida schools.

Several parents and even a student stood in front of the Clay County School Board on Thursday to explain why they are either for or against students wearing masks this school year.

The Florida Broad of Education is likely to adopt its emergency rule on masking in schools Friday.

There’s a big change to how Duval County Public Schools is handling student face masks.

Beginning Wednesday, face masks will again be required inside Camden County facilities, the county said in a news release.

All Duval County Public Schools employees, district vendors and visitors will be required to wear face coverings for a period of 30 days, starting Monday, according to an email Friday from Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene.

As COVID-19 cases increase, several companies and other institutions are changing their mask policies.

We’re putting through the Trust Index a statement from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office about children wearing masks in classrooms.

Masks had started to disappear from store shelves but they may be front and center again.

Duval County Public Schools is holding a workshop Wednesday, and it’s expected the district will discuss the topic of masks in schools and the new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday recommended universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status.

In a round table discussion Monday, which was not disclosed to the public ahead of time, Gov. Ron DeSantis met with a group of supporters to discuss, and heavily criticize, the idea of wearing face coverings in Florida schools.

The CDC is expected to update guidelines to urge vaccinated people in certain areas of the country to resume wearing masks because of Covid-19.

The Naval Air Station Jacksonville Commanding Officer is encouraging personnel and their loved ones to get vaccinated as soon as possible, but whether they are vaccinated or not, they'll be wearing masks inside buildings moving forward he said Tuesday.

The Columbia Restaurant in St. Augustine’s historic district and the other locations in Florida will be requiring staff to wear masks again, beginning Tuesday.

Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy on Wednesday made another plea for Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as the more contagious delta variant becomes the dominant strain.

Jacksonville hospitals are seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases, with the number of patients at some facilities doubling in the last two weeks.

There was a sense of back to normal when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks. On Friday, the World Health Organization came out and said masks should stay on.

Starting June 5, masks will be optional for all school-related activities, including summer school, the Nassau County School District said Tuesday.

Kids at summer camps can skip wearing masks outdoors, with some exceptions.

A yearlong legal battle about a mask mandate in Alachua County could be moot after Gov. Ron DeSantis this month suspended local COVID-19 restrictions, according to a new court filing.

Target, CVS, Winn-Dixie, Publix, Trader Joe’s, Costco, Sam’s Club, Walmart and Starbucks have all announced they’re dropping their requirements that fully vaccinated customers wear face coverings in their stories, following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance issued Thursday.

The country's aggressive vaccination campaign has paid off, according to the CDC. It says coronavirus cases in the country are at their lowest rate since September, deaths are at their lowest point since last April and the test positivity rate is at the lowest point since the pandemic began.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As Florida reported its third consecutive day of more than 10,000 newly confirmed coronavirus cases, large crowds gathered for events across Jacksonville. Organizers asked parade-goers to socially distance and encouraged them to wear masks. News4Jax saw groups both wearing masks and not wearing masks and most tried to keep their distance from one another, but some spots along the parade route did get more congested. “We are still going to try and have some fun but yes, definitely going to maintain some distance from everyone,” Taylor Self said. The Florida Department of Health reported 10,431 new cases of COVID-19 in the state on Saturday with 494 new cases in Duval County.

Health authorities have changed their guidance on who should wear masks and when to wear them. Here's a look at how what we know about masks has changed, and how government officials are increasingly getting behind the idea of mandating the use of masks. But when BOTH people are wearing masks, that produced the best result. For example, study participants who were supposed to wear masks sometimes didn’t. The president also held rallies that brought together thousands of supporters, most of them not wearing masks.

Still, creating 700 face masks seems to transcend just “the basics,” wouldn’t you say? Moore’s personal project started in April, when Gleaners Community Food Bank asked for help from the community in making face masks for the group’s volunteers, and Moore decided she would lend a hand. Now she estimates she’s made hundreds of face masks for anyone who needs one. She uses some basic patterns and others that are a little more fun, and said she’s working on 50 Halloween-themed masks at the moment. When COVID-19 started, Moore was laid off for three months, so she had some extra time on her hands.

LAKELAND, Fla. – Actor Mark Wahlberg is aiding students and teachers across the nation in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, including those in Lakeland, Florida. KSAT reports that Wahlberg’s activewear brand Performance Inspired recently partnered with the active lifestyle brand LifeToGo to donate 1.3 million disposable face masks to teachers and students across the nation, as announced in a press release. Some areas have already received the donated 3-ply masks, including some students and teachers in San Antonio, the release said. Other places where donated masks have been received include Bentonville (AR), Boise (ID), Chicago (Ill.), Cincinnati (Ohio), Grand Rapids (MI), Minneapolis (MN), Portland (OR), Quincy (MA), Rochester (NY), Salisbury (NC), San Antonio (TX), and Woonsocket (RI). Wahlberg posted a video message on social media thanking essential workers and teachers as they combat the pandemic.

Face masks not only slow the spread of COVID-19 but may also protect people wearing them, too. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its latest guide on the dos and donts of wearing a mask. Do NOT wear masks intended for health care workers for example, N95 respirators. RELATED: Masks 101: Everything from mistakes to avoid to how to store your face covering | CONSUMER REPORTS: Your most pressing questions about masks answered by CRs chief scientistAs for wearing a face shield instead of a face mask, both the CDC and Dickerson agree a face shield can be worn in addition to a face mask, but not on its own. If you dont wear a mask under your face shield, small droplets in the air could be carried up under the shield and land on your nose or mouth, Dickerson said.

This time last year, we were beginning to talk about what kinds of fun costumes and masks we might wear for Halloween. Nowadays, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, masks are an every day, everywhere kind of thing. In an effort to fight the spread of the coronavirus, masks have been mandated for wear in plenty of places, so perhaps your mask has become second nature. That not only makes it a little more fun for those wearing the masks, but for us who are out people-watching (and unable to actually see people’s faces). And perhaps you just might give some others some fun ideas to work with.

Jacksonville resident sews thousands of masks for people across the countryPublished: August 30, 2020, 10:31 pmA nationwide sewing group called “Auntie Sewing Squad” has been making free masks for people who need them during the coronavirus pandemic.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A nationwide sewing group called “Auntie Sewing Squad” has been making free masks for people who need them during the coronavirus pandemic. Jacksonville resident Lori Ann Brown discovered the group, which was started by comedian Kristina Wong, in the spring. “Back in March, I started making masks for all of my friends, all of my neighbors, all of my family,” explained Brown. She also established a branch of the sewing group called “Grandmas Sewing Squad.”“I’m doing this because I love my country,” explained Brown. “I truly believe that every one of those masks will save a life.”To date, Brown said Aunties Sewing Group has distributed nearly 90,000 masks.

MADRID – Masks will be mandatory for all students in Spain, ages 6 or older, when returning to schools in September because of increased coronavirus cases, the government announced Thursday. Previously, masks were only required for students above age 12 by some Spanish regions. Students will receive a daily body temperature check, must wash hands at least five times per day and classrooms will need frequent ventilation, the government said. That allows localized quarantines if there’s a positive test, rather than closing entire schools. Parents and teachers have expressed concern, with new waves of outbreaks since the country emerged from a strict lockdown.

YULEE, Fla. – The Nassau County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday decided to extend through Sept. 25 an executive order mandating masks at all indoor public spaces where social distancing is not possible. The order had been set to expire Wednesday, but after some discussion, the Board of Commissioners approved the 30-day extension. According to the county, several commissioners said they had been contacted by residents on both sides of the issue, but “they ultimately believe that the health and safety of residents is a priority.”The county said commissioners will be working with the health department and emergency management to establish criteria for lifting the mandate. MASK MANDATE EXTENDED 30 DAYS At today's special meeting, Health Director, Dr. Eugenia Seidel, provided an update on... Posted by Nassau County, FL on Wednesday, August 26, 2020The Associated Press reports studies on the coronavirus and other germs show wearing a mask helps stop infected people from spreading disease to others. Evidence also suggests that masks may offer some protection for the people wearing them.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. In order for a face mask to be effective, it must cover the mouth and nose period. We have seen people frequently wearing their face covering over their mouth but below their nose. When wearing it or removing it, Rolle said, you need to avoid touching the inside where that virus could be trapped so you dont spread it. To avoid contaminating their masks, Rolle demonstrated how the mask should be stored. Dont wear the same mask every day if it has not been washed, and make sure you change the filter, as well, Rolle explained.

According to Raed Dweik, M.D., of Cleveland Clinic, whether your mask is homemade or store-bought, evidence shows wearing one makes a difference. “With the exception of neck fleece, this study provided support that pretty much all cloth mask types reduce expelled droplets,” said Dweik, who was not involved in the research. “Many performed much better than we even originally thought and close to surgical masks.”Data shows the fitted N95 mask was most effective. The bandanna, knitted mask and neck fleece were least effective. He said everyone should wear a mask, even if they don’t have symptoms, because some people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic but still contagious.

ATLANTA – The parent company of Southern supermarket chain Winn-Dixie said Monday that it is reversing its policy and will now require customers to wear masks at its stores to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Southeastern Grocers Inc. said the requirement will go into effect next Monday. The company had initially rejected a mask mandate, saying it did not want to put its workers in the position of having to ban customers. But in a statement, the company headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, said its position had “evolved” and it wanted to more clearly emphasize the importance of its customers', workers’ and communities’ safety. Still, the company said state and federal officials should be responsible for issuing mask requirements.

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. The St. Johns County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday voted to require masks inside county-controlled buildings only. The requirement of masks inside county-controlled buildings goes into effect immediately. Last month, county commissioners declined to take up a mandatory indoor mask policy. In St. Augustine, face coverings are required inside businesses and other buildings open to the public. Masks are also mandatory in St. Augustine Beach.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. With positive cases of COVID-19 on the rise in Florida, more retailers are requiring customers to wear masks while shopping. This includes requiring that store employees wear face coverings and encouraging our customers to do so as well. In any community with state or local laws mandating the use of face coverings, weve made that very clear through signage and other reminders, Roberts explained. Whole FoodsWe are requesting that all customers wear masks while shopping in our stores to protect the health and safety of our team members and communities. Whole Foods Market will be providing face masks at the entrance of all stores for customers who do not have their own face covering.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Walmart will soon require all customers to wear masks. The mask requirement will go into effect starting next week, according to CNN Business. The move comes after other businesses made the mandatory face mask requirement, such as Starbucks and Best Buy. “To help bring consistency across stores and clubs, we will require all shoppers to wear a face covering starting Monday, July 20. Walmart is currently selling face masks on its website.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Duval County students could be expected to wear masks on campus when schools reopen next month. And if they ride a bus, they will be required to wear them, as well. RELATED: Duval County schools left scrambling to adjust after state mandateThe president of the teachers union is very clear about what she thinks should be required of students. Brady said that decision needs to be made right away since the school district now has very little time to revamp its initial reopening plan. We are looking at doubling up some bus routes, and require students who are on the bus to wear masks and only have two students per seat, Hershey said.

Masks will now be mandatory in St. Augustine Beach. If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.

Masks are not mandatory in St. Augustine Beach. If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. While calls to require residents to wear face masks grow louder amid rising COVID-19 cases, Florida Gov. The surge in cases, however, is the impetus behind moves by a number of local governments to mandate that residents wear masks. Tampas mayor ordered citizens to wear masks in public or face potential citations. In neighboring Pinellas County, workers who interact with the public also are now required to wear masks. The Florida Medical Association issued a statement Friday thanking local governments that have mandated face masks and calling on others to follow suit.

NEW ORLEANS – More than 2,000 unapproved face masks bearing counterfeit designer logos were seized in New Orleans in June, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection said. A shipment of more than 1,200 face masks bearing counterfeit designer logos was seized in New Orleans on June 9. Another shipment of 990 counterfeit Chanel face masks was seized in Shreveport on June 10. The face masks featured Burberry, Supreme and Gucci logos. “This is another example of the hard work and diligence shown by our CBP officers,” said Terri Edwards, CBP Port of New Orleans Director.

AUSTIN, Texas East Texas native Matthew McConaughey and his wife delivered 110,000 masks for hospitals in need. The masks were donated by Lincoln, the luxury vehicle division of American auto company Ford. McConaughey is the spokesman for Lincoln. The star posted on Twitter saying, "me and Camila Alves hitting the road to get em to rural hospitals in need across Texas.What a great guy!

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A doctor and her staff received a special delivery on Sunday, but it wasn’t from the Easter Bunny. A nonprofit organization called Project Human Inc. -- which is making masks and donating them to anyone in need, especially health care workers -- dropped off masks to Dr. Suny Caminero’s office at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside Hospital for her and her staff. Jonalyn Rodriguez, an assistant project manager for Project Human Inc., shared photos with News4Jax of the masks being delivered.

In case you missed it, health officials are now recommending that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings, for example, in spots where it might be difficult to maintain social distancing. Just keep in mind: “These face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Cloth face coverings are especially important to wear in public in areas of widespread COVID-19 illness.”Got it. Wearing cloth face coverings is an additional public health measure. “Cloth face coverings can be made from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost,” the CDC said.