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Friends of WHN
@friendsofwhn.bsky.social
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Just supporters sharing informal updates & highlights from the World Health Network community.
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Friends of WHN @friendsofwhn.bsky.social · Jun 21
Clean indoor air is a shared goal.

Many of us—across organizations, initiatives, and advocacy groups—are working to make it real.

We may differ on timelines or tactics, but let’s not lose sight of where we want to go.

Which groups do you see pushing in the same direction?
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New Kids' Zone issue is out!

whn.global/kidszone/
Kids' Zone - WHN
Welcome to the World Health Network Kids’ Zone Magazine! Although COVID-19 is a serious topic, living a COVID-Conscious lifestyle can be fun and rewarding. In this magazine we highlight the many ways ...
whn.global
December 5, 2025 at 8:55 PM
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Check out the new WHN article on Long COVID Prevalence, Search Interest, and Funding!

It comes with two nice interactive tools:
whn.global/long-covid-i...
Long COVID in Context: Prevalence, Search Interest, and Funding - WHN
By Gregory Kirchhoff, Matthew Martin, and Luke S The exact risk of developing Long COVID after a SARS-CoV-2 infection remains difficult to quantify. Research on the condition is still relatively young...
whn.global
December 4, 2025 at 1:59 AM
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New overview article: whn.global/what-you-nee...
What You Need to Know About COVID, November 2025 - WHN
COVID is the illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2). The virus is spread via infectious aerosols, exhaled by an infected person who may or may not dis...
whn.global
November 21, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Reposted by Friends of WHN
thewhn.bsky.social
“Isn’t the pandemic over?” “Aren’t you done with masks yet?” “But you’re not high-risk!”

This Q&A provides evidence-based responses to these and other common objections, offering insight into why we still mask, filter the air and open windows—knowledge we’ve gained and continue to put into practice
WHN graphic with a light background and faint photo of a white respirator. whn.global logo at top left. Pink subtitle: “Yes, We Continue Wearing Masks — Here’s Why: Common Questions Answered.” Large headline: “If you’re wearing a mask, why should I?” Body text: “Two-way masking protects everyone better than one-way masking for one simple reason: source control. Your mask reduces what you exhale (source control) and what you inhale (personal protection). Because many infections spread silently and not everyone can mask all the time, masking together sharply lowers risk, for you and for the people around you.” Footer line: “The World Health Network is a network devoted to global compassion—working together to inspire collective action through science for a safer, healthier world.” Same WHN layout and respirator background. Pink subtitle: “Yes, We Continue Wearing Masks — Here’s Why: Common Questions Answered.” Large headline: “Won’t constant masking weaken your immunity?” Answer in bold text: “No. Masks don’t block all microbes, and our immune systems still get plenty of stimulation from daily life.” Footer with WHN mission sentence. Same WHN layout and respirator background. Pink subtitle: “Yes, We Continue Wearing Masks — Here’s Why: Common Questions Answered.” Large headline: “I thought masks don’t work?” Body text: “They do, but only when used correctly, and not all ‘masks’ are created equal. The physics is clear: well-fitted respirators (N95/FFP2 or better) cut what you breathe out and what you breathe in. Confusion often comes from studies that used loose surgical/medical masks, allowed people to take masks off while exposed, or mixed very different mask types and fits, conditions that blur the true benefit.” Footer with WHN mission sentence. Same WHN layout and respirator background. Pink subtitle: “Yes, We Continue Wearing Masks — Here’s Why: Common Questions Answered.” Large headline: “I think kids need to ‘train’ their immune systems. Aren’t you preventing that?” Body text: “A child’s immune system doesn’t need to encounter dangerous pathogens to develop. Everyday exposure to common microbes in the environment is enough ‘training.’” Footer with WHN mission sentence.
November 13, 2025 at 8:30 PM
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whn.global/youve-got-a-...
“You’ve Got a Friend in Me!” Tom Hanks Shows Subway Riders How to Protect Their Health - WHN
When Tom Hanks was recently spotted riding the subway in New York City, social media quickly lit up. At first, the beloved actor was seen wearing a medical mask, and later, in a follow-up sighting, he...
whn.global
November 6, 2025 at 2:57 PM
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New Masking Q&A Newsletter:
whn.global/newsletter/m...
Masking Q&A - WHN
Authors: Ifrah Ahmad, Katelyn Miyasaki, Claire Alexander, David Richter, Ishika Agarwal, Corianne Devine-Spears What is a respirator mask, and why should I wear one? There are many different kinds of masks including cloth, medical/surgical, and respirator grade masks, also known as respirator masks or simply respirators. Ideally, you should use respirator masks certified to N95, … Continued
whn.global
November 6, 2025 at 2:17 AM
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The WHN November Kids' Zone Magazine Issue is published! whn.global/KidsZone/
Kids' Zone - WHN
Welcome to the World Health Network Kids’ Zone Magazine! Although COVID-19 is a serious topic, living a COVID-Conscious lifestyle can be fun and rewarding. In this magazine we highlight the many ways ...
whn.global
November 3, 2025 at 6:56 PM
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New Welcome Meetings are

- Sat, Nov 1, 11am ET
- Tue, Nov 11, 4pm ET

whn.global/welcome/
New Member Welcome and Resources - WHN
Welcome to the World Health Network! We’re glad you’re here! WHN is a global community dedicated to health, science, and action. Whether you’re here to collaborate on projects or connect with others w...
whn.global
October 22, 2025 at 2:20 PM
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New WHN journal article:
whn.global/scientific/t...
The Long-Term Immune Effects of COVID — A Warning We’ve Seen Before. - WHN
By Spela Salamon, Andrew G. Ewing, Yaneer Bar-Yam, Deborah Lupton, Resia Pretorius, Arneaux Kruger World Health Network, New England Complex Systems Institute, Cambridge, MA When COVID-19 first emerge...
whn.global
October 22, 2025 at 2:19 PM
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whn.global/whn-joins-in...
WHN joins in the chorus: Medical masks are not PPE - WHN
Overview Throughout the COVID pandemic, there has been confusion from public health and medical leaders over which masks to wear to prevent transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Inadequate supplies of...
whn.global
October 21, 2025 at 1:11 PM
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Two new blogposts and a newsletter!

whn.global/long-covid-f...
Long COVID Fatigue: Beyond “Just Tired” - WHN
Long COVID is often associated with chronic fatigue, a persistent sense of exhaustion or lack of energy that can significantly impact normal functioning and quality of life. For this post, we will be ...
whn.global
October 16, 2025 at 1:30 PM
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In the new October Issue of the Kids' Zone Magazine, our family enjoyed most the "Would You Rather" questions - what about you? whn.global/kidszone/
Kids' Zone - WHN
Welcome to the World Health Network Kids’ Zone Magazine! Although COVID-19 is a serious topic, living a COVID-Conscious lifestyle can be fun and rewarding. In this magazine we highlight the many ways ...
whn.global
October 1, 2025 at 2:17 AM
Reposted by Friends of WHN
thewhn.bsky.social
WHN is hosting a Clean Air Panel Discussion on Wednesday, October 8 (10am–12pm EDT | 4pm–6pm CET). Join leading experts Dr. William Bahnfleth, Dr. Jim Rosenthal, Dr. Joe Vipond, and Aaron Collins for an engaging conversation on the importance of clean air, its role in protecting communities, (...)
Promotional graphic from whn.global announcing a “Clean Air Panel Discussion.” The background shows a blue sky with light clouds. Text at the top: “Oct 8th | 10AM – Noon ET | 4PM – 6PM CET” inside a green and blue gradient box. Main description: “Discover the fundamentals of clean air and why it is essential for a safe and healthy future.” Section header: “Featuring leading experts:” Below are four circular headshots with names underneath: Dr. William Bahnfleth Dr. Jim Rosenthal Dr. Joe Vipond Aaron Collins (shown wearing a mask) At the bottom, inside a bordered box: “Join us for insights + live Q&A.”
September 30, 2025 at 12:10 AM
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Join our new Health Department Outreach Campaign to make your local health institutions safer for your community!

whn.global/health-depar...
Health Department Outreach Campaign - WHN
Join our Health Department Outreach Campaign!
whn.global
September 26, 2025 at 3:37 AM
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The WHN has a new "Voices" category - do you know someone whose articles should be featured there?
whn.global/category/blo...

The first three articles are a series on Long COVID, have a look:
whn.global/covid-isnt-a...
Voices Archives - WHN
Voices is a space for timely, thoughtful contributions from members of the WHN community and beyond. Each piece offers clear, science-grounded perspectives that are both accessible and personal, much ...
whn.global
September 19, 2025 at 1:33 AM
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Great article, found on the WHN Discord:
pvdeye.org/why-we-mask-...
Why We Mask: Solidarity, Creativity & Community Care in a Not-Quite-Post-Pandemic World
At a backyard cookout this spring, Emily Kindschy did something she hadn’t done in several years: she took off her mask in a crowd. “We were standing at a distance, [...]
pvdeye.org
September 10, 2025 at 2:36 AM
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New Newsletter out!
whn.global/newsletter/u...
Update on Working from Home - WHN
Authors: Ifrah Ahmad, Katelyn Miyasaki Nearly five years after the pandemic began, office occupancy remains at just 50% of pre-pandemic levels [1], with little change over the past two years [2]. Desp...
whn.global
September 10, 2025 at 2:27 AM
Reposted by Friends of WHN
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Just released! Issue 14 of WHN’s Kids’ Zone COVID-Conscious Magazine is out now — the Back to School Clean Air Edition. This month’s issue is packed with fun and important content for kids and families, including clean air in schools, short stories, tips for celebrating safely, and much more.
A digital poster with a cream-colored background and a peach header bar featuring small colored dots (pink, red, green, cyan, blue) and the logo “whn.global.” At the top, a pink pill-shaped label reads: “JUST RELEASED.” Below that, bold magenta text announces: “Issue 14 of WHN’s Kids’ Zone COVID-Conscious Magazine” Subheading: “Back to School Clean Air Edition.” Centered is the magazine cover. It is designed with a yellow classroom wall, a green chalkboard with text reading: “HEPA FILTERS, CR BOXES, UPPER-ROOM UV, OPEN WINDOWS, CO₂ MONITORS.” On the chalkboard’s right, a red apple icon is displayed. In front, there’s a teacher’s desk, bookshelves, plants, a clock, and an air purifier. The magazine title is in bold magenta: “Kids’ Zone – COVID-Conscious Magazine.” Edition: September 2025 – Issue 14. At the bottom of the cover, the featured topics are listed in various colors: Clean Air in Schools Red Pandas Short Stories Celebrating Safely CSA Z94.4-25 … and more inside! Right side includes a circle logo of the World Health Network Kids’ Zone with text: “Check us out online at: WHN.global/KidsZone.” Footer words: “Explore | Share | Connect.”
August 29, 2025 at 12:27 AM
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WHN's new Kid's Zone Magazine Issue is out!
whn.global/kidszone/
Kids' Zone - WHN
Welcome to the World Health Network Kids’ Zone Magazine! Although COVID-19 is a serious topic, living a COVID-Conscious lifestyle can be fun and rewarding. In this magazine we highlight the many ways ...
whn.global
August 27, 2025 at 2:23 AM
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Last day to comment!
thewhn.bsky.social World Health Network @thewhn.bsky.social · Aug 18
Big step for safer hospitals: the new CSA respirator standard would ensure everyone—staff, patients, even visitors—has access to protection. It ties together design, cleaning, and ventilation to cut airborne risks.
(Green background with mask) Text: "Here’s why the new CSA Z94.4 respirator standard matters for safer hospitals." (Green background, bullet points) Text: "Respirators are required for healthcare workers in most spaces—except in 'exempt zones' where extra precautions are present to meet requirements of a risk analysis. The standard connects the Precautionary Principle across CSA Z94.4 (respirators), CSA Z8000 health facility design), CSA Z317.12 (cleaning and disinfecting), and CSA Z317.2 (HVAC) — all working together to minimize airborne risks." (Green background, bullet points) Text: "Hospitals must give access to respirators in multiple sizes and styles—for staff, patients, and even visitors. 'Easy-breathing' options are recommended, along with the option for healthcare workers to use PAPRs (powered air purifying respirators) if they prefer." (Green background, yellow box) Text: "Every single person can help. The CSA is accepting public comments until August 19. You can help make this a reality—by submitting your comment. [Yellow box] See caption for details"
August 19, 2025 at 1:53 AM
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New Newsletter is out! Please help by commenting on the new guideline draft for respirator use in healthcare in Canada!

whn.global/newsletter/c...
Comment by August 19th on CSA Draft for Respirators in the Workplace - WHN
Authors: Katelyn Miyasaki, Ifrah Ahmad, Claire Alexander Intro to the CSA Draft Recently, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) put out a draft highlighting an updated standard of respirators in wo...
whn.global
August 15, 2025 at 3:51 PM
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Affordable Environmental Air Sampling

Initiative to begin in India.

Looking for partners in:
- Lab testing and diagnostic analysis
- Field deployment and logistics
- Community engagement
- Global coordination and scaling

whn.global/scientific/a...
A Scalable Strategy for Interrupting Tuberculosis Transmission through Environmental Air Sampling - WHN
Sunil Raina1, Matthias Schneider2, Stephane Bilodeau3, Yaneer Bar-Yam4 1 Dr. RP Government Medical College, Tanda (HP), India and World Health Network2 Medical and Biological Physics, TU Dortmund Univ...
whn.global
August 13, 2025 at 2:30 AM
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"Clean Air is the 21st Century’s Clean Water"

"Airborne transmission is primary.
Clean air is the medium of protection.
Respiratory protection must be community-wide."

WHN Response to the WHO Strategic and Operational Plan for COVID Threat Management:

whn.global/scientific/p...
Public Comment on the WHO Strategic and Operational Plan for Coronavirus Disease Threat Management (2025–2030) - WHN
Submitted to: [email protected] Subject: Public comment submission – strategic and operational plan for coronavirus disease threat management We appreciate WHO’s continued leadership in coordinating glo...
whn.global
August 7, 2025 at 1:47 AM
Reposted by Friends of WHN
thewhn.bsky.social
Canada is on the verge of adopting a national standard requiring N95s in healthcare—and your voice can help make it happen.
At the top, a green button reads: “Take Action.” Below it: Canada is on the verge of adopting a national standard for universal respirator use in healthcare. Subtext: For the first time, N95s would be expected for all healthcare workers, patients, and visitors — unless equally protective substitute measures are in place. Final paragraph: To our knowledge, this is the first national standard of its kind — anywhere in the world. In the background is a faint image of a CAN95 respirator. The WHN logo and a row of six colored dots appear at the top. Headline in bold: If this CSA standard is finalized, it sets a critical precedent for other countries to follow. Followed by: It can shape global policy for decades on: • Clean air in healthcare • Pandemic preparedness • Protection of the most vulnerable Final sentence: This is about making healthcare safer — for everyone. Background includes a faded image of an N95-style respirator. The WHN logo and six colorful dots are at the top. Bold headline: Every single person can help. Subtext: The CSA is accepting public comments until August 19. You can help make this a reality — by submitting your comment. A dark green button reads: “See caption for details.” Faint background shows a close-up of a CAN95 mask. Top shows the WHN logo and colored dots.
August 6, 2025 at 1:10 AM
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This guideline has been updated recently:
whn.global/guidelines/m...
All About Masks: Information, Guidance and Resources - WHN
Advice on which mask is best for COVID, which brands make legitimate masks, and advice on how to test if your mask is working.
whn.global
August 3, 2025 at 1:19 AM