Rotary Club of Franklin MA Donates 2000 Masks to Franklin Fire Department

The Rotary Club of Franklin MA, whose motto is “Service above self”, is proud to donate 2000 masks to the Franklin Fire Department, for them to use as they see fit. “Rotary Club has been weaved into the Franklin fabric for more than 90 years, providing services like this and many others too.” said John Power, pictured here with Capt. William Blanchard of the Franklin Fire Department. 

An International group, the club’s primarily focuses on finding local needs and completing service projects that serve Franklin’s elderly, underserved & High School students by providing annual Scholastic Scholarships & Youth Leadership Awards.

If you would like to find out more about Rotary Club of Franklin MA, you are invited to join them for a meeting on the first and/or third Tuesday of each month, 5:30pm – 7:30pm or visit their website:  http://portal.clubrunner.ca/3689. 

John Power (left) pictured here with Capt. William Blanchard (right) of the Franklin Fire Department

 

Mass.gov: "Use all of the tools available to #StoptheSpread"

Mass.gov (@MassGov) tweeted on Sat, Feb 27, 2021:

"Use all of the tools available to #StoptheSpread. Keep your friends and family safe by wearing a mask and practicing social distancing. #COVID19MA" https://t.co/fsTh7qLCPD

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MassGov/status/1365695724562903043

Mass.gov: "Use all of the tools available to #StoptheSpread"

The Guardian: "Will I have to wear a mask after getting the COVID vaccine? The science explained"

"Public health authorities want people to keep wearing masks and social distancing, even after they receive a vaccine. This might seem counterintuitive – after all, if someone gets a vaccine, aren’t they protected from the coronavirus?

The answer is complicated: the vast majority of people who are vaccinated will be protected from Covid-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, vaccinated people may still be able to transmit the virus, even though they do not display any symptoms.

“We know now the vaccines can protect, but what we haven’t had enough time to really understand is – does it protect from spreading?” said Avery August, professor of immunology at Cornell University.

That is because the the SARS-CoV-2 virus may still colonize the respiratory tract, even as systemic immune cells protect the overall body from the disease it causes – Covid-19."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/feb/26/covid-vaccine-mask-will-i-have-to-wear-after-jab-science-how-it-works

CDC: "Essential Elements of Safe K-12 School In-person Instruction"

From the Executive Summary of the CDC guidance on reopening schools released recently: (RED text for my emphasis)

"As communities plan safe delivery of in-person instruction in K-12 schools, it is essential to decide when and under what conditions to help protect students, teachers, and staff and slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. It is critical for schools to open as safely and as soon as possible, and remain open, to achieve the benefits of in-person learning and key support services. To enable schools to open safely and remain open, it is important to adopt and consistently implement actions to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2 both in schools and in the community. This means that all community members, students, families, teachers, and school staff should take actions to protect themselves and others where they live, work, learn, and play. In short, success in preventing the introduction and subsequent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in schools is connected to and facilitated by preventing transmission in the broader community."

There is no easy short list, the essential elements to reopen safely are complex. Take time to read through them to understand them.

Find and read the full CDC guidance doc

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/operation-strategy.html

JAMA Insights: "Effectiveness of Mask Wearing to Control Community Spread of SARS-CoV-2"

Here's the data: 

"Prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the efficacy of community mask wearing to reduce the spread of respiratory infections was controversial because there were solid relevant data to support their use. During the pandemic, the scientific evidence has increased. Compelling data now demonstrate that community mask wearing is an effective nonpharmacologic intervention to reduce the spread of this infection, especially as source control to prevent spread from infected persons, but also as protection to reduce wearers’ exposure to infection.

COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets exhaled when infected people breathe, talk, cough, sneeze, or sing. Most of these droplets are smaller than 10 μm in diameter, often referred to as aerosols. The amount of small droplets and particles increases with the rate and force of airflow during exhalation (eg, shouting, vigorous exercise). Exposure is greater the closer a person is to the source of exhalations. Larger droplets fall out of the air rapidly, but small droplets and the dried particles formed from them (ie, droplet nuclei) can remain suspended in the air. In circumstances with poor ventilation, typically indoor enclosed spaces where an infected person is present for an extended period, the concentrations of these small droplets and particles can build sufficiently to transmit infection."'

Continue reading the Article in the Journal of  American Medicine Association (JAMA)  https://t.co/x8sTs9y8Rw

Shared from Twitter:  (https://twitter.com/celinegounder/status/1359604817161773065?s=03)

Effectiveness of Mask Wearing to Control Community Spread of SARS-CoV-2

MBTA: Commuter Rail notice for Franklin Line - facial coverings required to ride

All passengers over the age of two must wear a face covering when traveling on trains or at all railroad stations. Anyone who does not comply with this requirement will be denied boarding and could be subject to penalties under Federal Law.

Affected routes:
Fairmount Line
Fitchburg Line
Franklin Line
Greenbush Line
Haverhill Line
Kingston/Plymouth Line
Lowell Line
Middleborough/Lakeville Line
Needham Line
Newburyport/Rockport Line
Providence/Stoughton Line
Framingham/Worcester Line

Last Updated: Feb 03 2021 05:30 PM 

Shared from the MBTA page  https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts

 

MBTA: Commuter Rail notice for Franklin Line - facial coverings required to ride

 

Ben's guide to mask wearing - #DoYourPartFranklin

Wearing a mask properly matters!

Just ask Ben!

#DoYourPartFranklin #WearAMask #itmatters #benknows Franklin Police Department

Shared from Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/2814708462132495/

Ben's guide to mask wearing - #DoYourPartFranklin

"asymptomatic and infectious before developing their symptoms"

Via The Hill comes a CDC study showing focus should include asymptomatic individuals as they contribute to more than 50% of the cases.

Question  
What proportion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread is associated with transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from persons with no symptoms? 

Findings  
In this decision analytical model assessing multiple scenarios for the infectious period and the proportion of transmission from individuals who never have COVID-19 symptoms, transmission from asymptomatic individuals was estimated to account for more than half of all transmission. 

Meaning  
The findings of this study suggest that the identification and isolation of persons with symptomatic COVID-19 alone will not control the ongoing spread of SARS-CoV-2.

Continue reading the article in The Hill

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/533421-more-than-half-of-coronavirus-cases-spread-by-people-without-symptoms-cdc

Go direct to JAMA for the CDC study details

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2774707

Boston Globe: "Here’s why vaccinated people still need to wear a mask"

 The Boston Globe has the following:

"The new COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna seem to be remarkably good at preventing serious illness. But it’s unclear how well they will curb the spread of the coronavirus.

That’s because the Pfizer and Moderna trials tracked only how many vaccinated people became sick with COVID-19. That leaves open the possibility that some vaccinated people get infected without developing symptoms and could then silently transmit the virus — especially if they come in close contact with others or stop wearing masks.

If vaccinated people are silent spreaders of the virus, they may keep it circulating in their communities, putting unvaccinated people at risk.

“A lot of people are thinking that once they get vaccinated, they’re not going to have to wear masks anymore,” said Michal Tal, an immunologist at Stanford University. “It’s really going to be critical for them to know if they have to keep wearing masks, because they could still be contagious.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/09/nation/heres-why-vaccinated-people-still-need-wear-mask/

Santa on the Common - now a drive by event - Nov 29

Due to the pandemic we are changing the format of Santa on the Common. A Drive By is planned where you can see Santa in your car. You must follow these simple rules:

1. Santa will be on the corner of Main and High St. 
2. You family must enter by Union St. and exit Main St.
3. You and your family must wear masks
4. Before you see Santa give your Christmas list to the person before Santa
5. When you are in front of Santa you can wave and greet him and he will give you a souvenir of the event
6. After you have greeted Santa you will be given a gift certificate for a treat 
7. We hope you join us, for Santa wants to be able to see  you before his magical flight

When?

Sunday - November 29, 2020 - 4:00 PM

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h2hSRT2enI5bOyg1pf6ija0YMXj5hPh5/view?usp=sharing

Santa on the Common - now a drive by event - Nov 29

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Targeted Measures To Curb Rising COVID-19 Cases

"Today we are taking several targeted measures to curb rising #COVID19MA cases + hospitalizations.

Our goal is to disrupt this trend now, so the Commonwealth can keep our economy + schools open and prevent the need to roll back to Phase I or II."

➡️ MORE: https://t.co/FCUWR035Vf

Shared from Twitter

https://t.co/fYR37s58P0

 

Gov Baker press conf video link:  https://youtu.be/O5JMSqEuNJE

Targeted Measures To Curb Rising COVID-19 Cases

FM #370 Board of Health Mtg - 10/21/20 (audio)

FM #370 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 370 in the series.

This session shares the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, Oct 21, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The discussion centered around one net new business attempting to open for business without being properly prepared to file the documentation required to open and operate during this pandemic period.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and the Board of Health page.

The meeting runs about 60 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting for Oct 21, 2020   Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HB2v0fYK

 --------------

Meeting agenda:
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/franklin-ma-board-of-health-agenda-oct.html

Board of Health page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
 
How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters" 

 

screen grab of Board of Health Mtg 10/21/20

Board of Health Meeting Recap - Sep 16, 2020

The Board of Health met on Wednesday to review and revise the penalty order they had approved at their Sep 2 meeting. Feedback from Town Attorney Mark Cerel led to the revision. The revision was approved by a 3-0. As soon as the order is available, the link will be shared.

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #boh0916
https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoH0916?src=hashtag_click

• Real time reporting underway for Board of Health meeting #BoH0916
• Education is the primary tool, not wanting to use penalties - only as a last resort. They have been getting multiple requests from same place. #BoH0916 motion to withdraw motion on 9/02/20 on penalty provisions; passed 3-0 via roll call
• Motion for revision proposed for fine where social distance is not possible, second, passed 3-0 via roll call. Motion amended to be effective Thursday 9/17/20 end of day. Passed 3-0 via roll call. #BoH0916
• First cluster found in a business in Franklin. Regroup of the Board to review/revise penalty process as devised in prior meeting. #BoH0916 should it be considered to include parties for residential areas as well as business entities. Limit to face coverings as those as frequent
• Discussion on keeping meeting virtual as long as possible, many have high risk family members. Want to avoid unnecessary contact. #BoH0916 meetings are still functioning well in the remote mode. Meeting adjourned with roll call vote

Sep 2, 2020 - recap = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/board-of-health-recap-sep-2-2020.html

 

Board of Health Meeting Recap - Sep 16, 2020

In the News: "Dakotas lead US in virus growth as both reject mask rules"; Franklin Town Clerk resigns

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:  

"Coronavirus infections in the Dakotas are growing faster than anywhere else in the nation, fueling impassioned debates over masks and personal freedom after months in which the two states avoided the worst of the pandemic.

The argument over masks raged this week in Brookings, South Dakota, as the city council considered requiring face coverings in businesses. The city was forced to move its meeting to a local arena to accommodate intense interest, with many citizens speaking against it, before the mask requirement ultimately passed.

Amid the brute force of the pandemic, health experts warn that the infections must be contained before care systems are overwhelmed. North Dakota and South Dakota lead the country in new cases per capita over the last two weeks, ranking first and second respectively, according to Johns Hopkins University researchers.

South Dakota has also posted some of the country’s highest positivity rates for COVID-19 tests in the last week — over 17 percent — an indication that there are more infections than tests are catching."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200912/dakotas-lead-us-in-virus-growth-as-both-reject-mask-rules?rssfeed=true 

Teresa Burr resigns

"A week after it was learned that 3,000 ballots sat uncounted in a vault on primary election night, Town Clerk Teresa Burr announced her intent to resign.

In a letter released Friday night to Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, Burr said she was resigning to “re-establish confidence with the voters of this community in their elections.”

“After the events of the past three months, this election season has been the most challenging election cycle of my career,” Burr wrote. “I fully support our Town Clerk office staff and election workers to take my place and lead this community through future elections.”

Franklin was one of three communities, along with Newton and Wellesley, to have uncounted ballots as of the morning of Sept. 2, the day after the primary. About 750 ballots that were dropped into Newton’s secure ballot drop boxes in the last three hours of the election went uncounted, while Wellesley was unable to get to about 100 ballots, between late drop box submissions and absentee ballots."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200912/franklin-town-clerk-burr-resigns-after-election-snafu?rssfeed=true

In the News: studies show children can spread COVID-19, small gatherings are also sources

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:   

"Children who caught the coronavirus at day cares and a day camp spread it to their relatives, according to a new report that underscores that kids can bring the germ home and infect others.

Scientists already know children can spread the virus. But the study published Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “definitively indicates — in a way that previous studies have struggled to do — the potential for transmission to family members,” said William Hanage, a Harvard University infectious diseases researcher.

The findings don’t mean that schools and child-care programs need to close, but it does confirm that the virus can spread within those places and then be brought home by kids. So, masks, disinfection and social distancing are needed. And people who work in such facilities have to be careful and get tested if they think they may be infected, experts said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200911/study-kids-infected-at-day-care-spread-coronavirus-at-home/1?rssfeed=true

"Relatively small social gatherings continue to drive infections in Framingham, according to Wong.

Over and over, residents who have tested positive tell Framingham’s contact tracing team they recently got together with friends or family.

“We have not seen any one single gathering or a couple large gatherings that generated multiple cases,” Wong said. “That’s not happening at this point. But that is also telling us that there’s a lot of smaller gatherings going on.”

Over the past few weeks, younger residents have accounted for most new COVID-19 infections in Framingham. The median age of those newly diagnosed with the coronavirus between Aug. 23 and Sept. 5 was 40, according to the Framingham Health Department’s weekly data release."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200912/in-framinghams-third-week-of-high-risk-designation-community-transmission-of-covid-19-is-on-rise?rssfeed=true

Mask requirements - Franklin Public Schools, MA

Hello FPS!   

Please make note of our mask guidelines as posted on our Reopening Website! 

Mask requirements - Franklin Public Schools, MA

More info on the Reopening web site https://t.co/av14MmSQep #staysafe  #DosandDonts

Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/K0y3aDkuDs

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Sep 8, 2020

Agenda

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

• Call to Order
• Pledge of Allegiance 
• Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. ECDC Reopening Plan -- Ms. Kelty Kelley and Ms. Paula Marano

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:

• EBC (SUPPLEMENTAL) - Creation Of A General (Interim) Policy On Covid-related Issues
• EBCFA - Masks/Face Coverings (New)
• COVID Policy Addendums

B. School Handbooks and Covid Addendums
I recommend approval of the School Handbooks with the Covid Addendums as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Annual Report Draft
B. Budget Update   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/budget_update_for_school_committee_9_2_2020.pdf

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the August 25, 2020 School Committee meeting as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Executive Session

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3), move to go into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the School Committee and the chair so declares, and not to reconvene in an Open Session.

XI. Adjournment 

The agenda doc contains the connection information

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-agenda-9-8-20

The meeting packet folder is on the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-8-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet 

sign at Davis Thayer elementary school

Franklin Interact delivers 100 masks to the Boston Rescue Mission (audio)

"We just delivered 100 masks to the Boston Rescue Mission!! We’re still going and are making masks for the Greater Boston Food Bank and St.Francis Home next. Thank you so much to all of the club members who made masks for our first project!"

The Franklin Interact Club is a service club for teens in the Franklin area sponsored by the Franklin Rotary.

FM #339 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 339 in the series.

 
This session shares my conversation with Pratusha Nouduri and Saivagmita (Vagmi) Kantheti of the Franklin Interact Club on Tuesday, August 25, 2020. Our conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The Franklin Interact Club is a service club for teens in the Franklin area sponsored by the Franklin Rotary. The show notes provides links to their web page, Twitter account, Instagram account and email.

Let’s listen to my conversation with Pratusha and Vagmi and find out how you can help their community service efforts.

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6506f302-e2a5-43f2-8029-4e4006f3f86d

---------------

“Franklin Interact is first starting with mask making. The Boston Rescue Mission has asked for 100+ masks. We also plan to provide the Medway House and Franklin Food Pantry with hygiene supplies, we need your help to make this possible. “

The group web page   https://franklinmainteract.weebly.com/
Twitter   https://twitter.com/FranklinIntera1
Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/franklinma_interact/

Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/franklinma.interact
Email for additional questions  franklininterat@gmail.com
Their GoFundMe page  https://www.gofundme.com/f/ufj3xq-franklin-interact

--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
 
How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

https://twitter.com/FranklinIntera1/status/1297268922031497216

FM #328 Franklin (MA) School Comm Mtg - Reopening Plan - 8/11/20 (audio)

FM #328 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 328 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 11, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

In this almost four hour meeting, Sara presents the comprehensive plan supported by additional members of the Task Force. There is a lengthy discussion among the School Committee and then with the community attendees. 

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and reference documents. 

The recording runs just about 4 hours, so let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of August 11, 2020. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZsClZsK

 

 

--------------

• The school committee agenda  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-ma-school-committee-meeting.html

• Superintendent's message on the plan  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-public-schools-superintendents.html

• Executive summary of the plan https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/franklin-public-schools-executive.html

• Reopening presentation deck shared prior to meeting https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fps-re-opening-plan-presentation-for.html

• My notes reported live during the meeting   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/school-committee-votes-on-plan-to-begin.html

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #328 Franklin (MA) School Comm Mtg - Reopening Plan - 8/11/20 (audio)

New York Times: "Mask slackers of 1918"

From the New York Times, an article of interest for Franklin:

"As the influenza pandemic swept across the United States in 1918 and 1919, masks took a role in political and cultural wars. 

The masks were called muzzles, germ shields and dirt traps. They gave people a “pig-like snout.” Some people snipped holes in their masks to smoke cigars. 

Others fastened them to dogs in mockery. Bandits used them to rob banks.
More than a century ago, as the 1918 influenza pandemic raged in the United States, masks of gauze and cheesecloth became the facial front lines in the battle against the virus. But as they have now, the masks also stoked political division. Then, as now, medical authorities urged the wearing of masks to help slow the spread of disease. And then, as now, some people resisted. 

In 1918 and 1919, as bars, saloons, restaurants, theaters and schools were closed, masks became a scapegoat, a symbol of government overreach, inspiring protests, petitions and defiant bare-face gatherings. All the while, thousands of Americans were dying in a deadly pandemic.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/03/us/mask-protests-1918.html

Police Court Officials of San Francisco holding a session in the open, as a precaution against the spreading influenza epidemic in late November of 1918.Credit...National Archives