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The Star
25-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Honduras mandates face masks again as respiratory illnesses spike
People queueing outside the Hospital Escuela wear surgical masks after the Honduran government mandated their use as a preventive measure amid a nationwide surge in respiratory illnesses, including influenza, pneumonia, and COVID-19, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, July 25, 2025. REUTERS/Leonel Estrada TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) -Over five years after the COVID-19 outbreak, Honduras has reinstated mandatory mask wearing in public spaces amid a spike in respiratory illnesses and as a variant of the virus spreads through the Central American country. Honduras' health ministry confirmed two deaths from the virus this week, among patients with underlying health conditions, bringing the country's total in 2025 to six. "We have already surpassed last year's infection limit; there are currently five people admitted to Hospital Escuela with suspected COVID-19," said the head of Health Surveillance, Lorenzo Pavon. Official data showed that from January to July last year, 596 COVID-19 cases were reported, while this year 654 cases have been recorded in the same period. The temporary measures, which took effect on Thursday, make masks obligatory in hospitals, airports, shopping centers, banks, schools, public transport, and other enclosed or crowded spaces. The government also ordered temporary work-from-home for state institutions. Authorities are urging the public to complete their COVID-19 and influenza vaccination schedules and to seek medical advice for respiratory symptoms. Frequent hand washing and the use of antibacterial gel continue to be recommended measures. Officials also warned that they will maintain monitoring of variants and will reinforce public information campaigns. The Ministry of Health reiterated that it will continuously evaluate the epidemiological situation and warned that the measures could be expanded if the number of infections continues to rise. (Reporting by Joan Humberto Suazo; Writing by Raul Cortes and Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
Straits Times
25-07-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Honduras mandates face masks again as respiratory illnesses spike
People queueing outside the Hospital Escuela wear surgical masks after the Honduran government mandated their use as a preventive measure amid a nationwide surge in respiratory illnesses, including influenza, pneumonia, and COVID-19, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, July 25, 2025. REUTERS/Leonel Estrada TEGUCIGALPA - Over five years after the COVID-19 outbreak, Honduras has reinstated mandatory mask wearing in public spaces amid a spike in respiratory illnesses and as a variant of the virus spreads through the Central American country. Honduras' health ministry confirmed two deaths from the virus this week, among patients with underlying health conditions, bringing the country's total in 2025 to six. "We have already surpassed last year's infection limit; there are currently five people admitted to Hospital Escuela with suspected COVID-19," said the head of Health Surveillance, Lorenzo Pavon. Official data showed that from January to July last year, 596 COVID-19 cases were reported, while this year 654 cases have been recorded in the same period. The temporary measures, which took effect on Thursday, make masks obligatory in hospitals, airports, shopping centers, banks, schools, public transport, and other enclosed or crowded spaces. The government also ordered temporary work-from-home for state institutions. Authorities are urging the public to complete their COVID-19 and influenza vaccination schedules and to seek medical advice for respiratory symptoms. Frequent hand washing and the use of antibacterial gel continue to be recommended measures. Officials also warned that they will maintain monitoring of variants and will reinforce public information campaigns. The Ministry of Health reiterated that it will continuously evaluate the epidemiological situation and warned that the measures could be expanded if the number of infections continues to rise. REUTERS Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore SMRT to pay lower fine of $2.4m for EWL disruption; must invest at least $600k to boost reliability Singapore MRT service changes needed to modify 3 East-West Line stations on Changi Airport stretch: LTA Singapore S'pore could have nuclear energy 'within a few years', if it decides on it: UN nuclear watchdog chief Asia 'Nothing like this has happened before': At least 16 dead as Thai-Cambodian conflict enters second day Life 'Do you kill children?': Even before independence, S'pore has always loved its over-the-top campaigns Singapore Lung damage, poor brain development, addiction: What vaping does to the body Singapore Tipsy Collective sues former directors, HR head; alleges $14m lost from misconduct, poor decisions Singapore Kopi, care and conversation: How this 20-year-old helps improve the well-being of the elderly
Straits Times
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Honduras probes mass shooting threats flagged by US embassy
A drone view shows the cityscape of Tegucigalpa after the U.S. Embassy in Honduras warned its citizens to avoid several areas of the capital due to reports of potential mass shooting threats, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, May 6, 2025. REUTERS/Leonel Estrada A drone view shows the cityscape of Tegucigalpa after the U.S. Embassy in Honduras warned its citizens to avoid several areas of the capital due to reports of potential mass shooting threats, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras May 6, 2025. REUTERS/Leonel Estrada A view of the government's civic centre is pictured after the U.S. Embassy in Honduras warned its citizens to avoid several areas of the capital due to reports of potential mass shooting threats, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras May 6, 2025. REUTERS/Leonel Estrada Employees leave the government's civic centre after the U.S. Embassy in Honduras warned its citizens to avoid several areas of the capital due to reports of potential mass shooting threats, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras May 6, 2025. REUTERS/Leonel Estrada Police officers operate outside the government's civic centre after the U.S. Embassy in Honduras warned its citizens to avoid several areas of the capital due to reports of potential mass shooting threats, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras May 6, 2025. REUTERS/Leonel Estrada TEGUCIGALPA - The U.S. Embassy in Honduras warned U.S. citizens to avoid several locations in the capital due to information it received of threatened mass shootings on Tuesday and on May 16, prompting Honduran officials to launch an investigation. In a short statement, the embassy said the three target locations mentioned in the threat were a school, a civic center and an unnamed mall in Tegucigalpa. Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina said in a post on X that the embassy had informed local officials through the corresponding diplomatic and security channels, adding these threats were being diligently looked into. "The intention to generate anxiety and fear in the Honduran people is worrying, more so in an election year," he said. "The necessary investigations will be carried out to apply the law to those responsible." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
