MaskblocHTX
LightNews LightNews
maskblochtx.bsky.social
MaskblocHTX
@maskblochtx.bsky.social
180 followers 29 following 390 posts
https://linktr.ee/maskbloc.htx for mask request, volunteer forms, and educational resources.
Donations: https://opencollective.com/mask-bloc-htx
Posts Replies Media Videos
maskblochtx.bsky.social
Idaho banning vaccine mandates leaves the public vulnerable to viruses and will erode public health. As a country, many viruses we have eradicated are making a comeback, endangering us all.
#vaccineaccessforall #vaccineaccess #viruses #maskup #publichealth #idaho #vaccinemandate
on a light green background, gridded in orange and dark blue, is a dark blue graphic that looks like a spiral notebook with the spiral portion along the top of the book. Along the side of the notebook are tabs in alternating colors of light blue and orange. Each tab reads as follows in dark blue text: “medical freedom act, goal of model nation, public health consequences, political framing, and potential ripple effects.” In the middle of the notebook, there is light blue text that reads: “idaho banned vaccine mandates.” In the top left corner of the notebook is a vaccine vial with a syringe and a red circle with a diagonal line through it, indicating banned. The mask bloc HTX logo is in the upper right corner and along the bottom of the slide, in light blue text reads: “https:propublica.org/article/idaho-vaccine-bill-medical-freedom-act-maha.” on a light green background, gridded in orange and dark blue, is a dark blue graphic that looks like a spiral notebook with the spiral portion along the top of the book. Along the side of the notebook are tabs in alternating colors of light blue and orange. Each tab reads as follows in dark blue text: “goal of model nation, public health consequences, political framing, and potential ripple effects.” In the middle of the notebook, there is light blue text that reads: “Medical Freedom Act: Idaho’s “Medical Freedom Act” – makes it illegal to require anyone to receive a vaccine or any other medical intervention. Shifts the legal burden from unvaccinated individuals to those who support vaccination. Removes a core public‑health tool (mandates) that has historically protected communities during epidemics.” In the top left corner of the notebook is a vaccine vial with a syringe and a red circle with a diagonal line through it, indicating banned. The mask bloc HTX logo is in the upper right corner and along the bottom of the slide. on a light green background, gridded in orange and dark blue, is a dark blue graphic that looks like a spiral notebook with the spiral portion along the top of the book. Along the side of the notebook are tabs in alternating colors of light blue and orange. Each tab reads as follows in dark blue text: “medical freedom act, public health consequences, political framing, and potential ripple effects.” In the middle of the notebook, there is light blue text that reads: “Goal of “Model‑Nation”: Activists want Idaho’s law to become a template for other states, citing Florida’s Surgeon‑General as a partner. If replicated, the national patchwork of anti‑mandate laws could erode herd immunity across the country.” In the top left corner of the notebook is a vaccine vial with a syringe and a red circle with a diagonal line through it, indicating banned. The mask bloc HTX logo is in the upper right corner and along the bottom of the slide. on a light green background, gridded in orange and dark blue, is a dark blue graphic that looks like a spiral notebook with the spiral portion along the top of the book. Along the side of the notebook are tabs in alternating colors of light blue and orange. Each tab reads as follows in dark blue text: “medical freedom act, goal of model nation, political framing, and potential ripple effects.” In the middle of the notebook, there is light blue text that reads: “Public‑Health Consequences: The article notes that even conservative‑leaning South Carolina had to quarantine >150 unvaccinated children after a measles outbreak, a scenario Idaho could soon face. Outbreaks strain local health systems, force school closures, and put immunocompromised or medically‑exempt children at heightened risk. Keep in mind - people that have been exposed to Covid-19, have a damaged immune systems.” In the top left corner of the notebook is a vaccine vial with a syringe and a red circle with a diagonal line through it, indicating banned. The mask bloc HTX logo is in the upper right corner and along the bottom of the slide.
November 10, 2025 at 10:14 PM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
A new CIDRAP review shows that the Avian Flu (H5N1) can be asymptomatic in people 🤯. Covid has really opened a can of worms and at the same time, has brought a lot of new and parallel research about viruses and their effects (both long and short term).
#h5n1 #maskup #publichealth #viruses
Slide 1: on a black background is an old tube tv that is blue with a black static picture with the following text in neon green: “bird flu (H5N1) can hide in people.” the black static on the screen is animated. Slide 2: on a light blue background is black text reading: “what that means for public health” with a black kn95 mask in the upper right hand corner of the slide. Under the text is an animated download symbol with black and dark blue text reading: “A new CIDRAP review shows that human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) aren’t always the severe, obvious illness we once thought they were. Researchers found several asymptomatic cases and evidence that the virus can spread from person‑to‑person in certain settings.” this text is sitting in a neon green text box, outlined in dark blue dots. Slide 3: on the same background is black text reading: “why it matters.” Under the text is an animated download symbol and in a neon green text box, under the symbol, outlined in dark blue dots is black and dark blue text that reads: Silent transmission: If people can carry H5N1 without feeling sick, they may unknowingly pass the virus to family members, coworkers, or vulnerable patients. Surveillance gaps: Traditional fever‑based screening misses these hidden carriers, making it harder for health authorities to track outbreaks. Preparedness: Robust data collection from contacts of known cases—and routine testing of exposed individuals - are essential to gauge real‑world risk and shape vaccination or antiviral strategies. There is a white n95 respirator in the top right corner of the slide. Slide 4: on a light blue background is black text reading: “take away for the community” with a black kn95 mask in the upper right hand corner of the slide. Under the text is an animated download symbol with black and dark blue text reading: “Get vaccinated against seasonal flu - while it doesn’t protect against H5N1, it reduces overall respiratory illness burden. Practice good hygiene (hand‑washing, masks in crowded indoor settings) especially if you work with poultry or live near farms. Stay informed: public‑health agencies will update guidance if asymptomatic spread becomes more common.” this text is sitting in a neon green text box, outlined in dark blue dots.
November 3, 2025 at 5:37 PM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
Good Mourning! Our second virtual grief practice circle is in a couple weeks! It will be a space where we can be human together, process our pain, and practice embodiment techniques. Join us as we gather to support each other through these tough times!
#community #virtualevent #maskup #covid19
On a purple background are sketches of clouds and two friends hugging. This is a poster for a virtual event occuring on november 15th at 11am CT. The event description includes the following: "Are you feeling isolated & stuck in anguish during these trying times? Come start your mo(u)rning off right with an online Community Grief Circle. Here we will support each other by exploring embodiment tools and rituals that help us process and move through our collective pain." The Houston mask bloc logo is at the bottom of the frame - a light blue circle with a dark blue mask and simple text "Mask Bloc - HTX". The frame of the logo has bats and a witch. there are two people standing next to each other with one arm around each other. there are clouds at the top right and left of the graphic with little lime green hearts framing "november." @Maskbloc.HTX is at the bottom of the frame.
November 1, 2025 at 5:30 PM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
Hope yall are able to join us for some in-person events, we'd love to see yall! Our virtual Q&A is still going strong, we are having our 2nd virtual grief circle (the 1st one went really well), funeral museum tour is back on the calendar, and another crafting day!
#covid19 #houston #texas #maskup
on a blue background with a paper texture are a dates listed for events that the houston texas mask bloc is hosting. the top of the graphic is titled: "upcoming events: Mask Bloc HTX". the events include: virtual presentation and Q&A november 8th and november 22nd: learn all about respirators and ask your questions about masks at 530pm CT. november 8th from 1-4pm CT, is another library crafting day at the jungman neighborhood library. november 16th: museum of funeral history visit at 12pm CT. join us in-person to learn tools and methods used. november 15th at 11am CT, come start your mo(u)rning off right with an online community grief circle. there are fall colored leaves dispersed across the top of the graphic with a black KN95 mask and a white N95 respirator hanging out in the upper right hand corner. in the upper left hand corner is the HTX mask bloc logo. there are a few decorated N95 aura respiratoars with a dragon stencil on them. each text box with "nov" (november) in it has a cozy, warm lit candle sitting on top. there is an array of different colored pumpkins (orange, yellow, green, of all shapes and sizes) sitting on top of the text box describing the virtual grief circle.
November 1, 2025 at 5:22 PM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
It is officially flu season so let's protect our communities by getting vaccinated before we gather for the holidays!
While you are waiting for vaccines to be available in your area, remember to mask up to protect yourself from pesky airborne viruses. Vaccines do not prevent transmission.
#vaccines
On a purple background are green splatter patterns and a green ghost peaks out of the lower right corner. There are leaves floating through the air. This graphic reads: "It's flu season and Covid-19 never left us, please get your flu and Covid-19 vaccines before the holidays." Resources are listed below: "Vaccine Finders - CVEEP.org, VaccineFinder.org, Novavax: Nuvaxovid.com/vaccine-locator." Two smiling, cartoon masks decorate the text. The mask bloc logo is in the lower left hand corner - a simple light blue circle with a dark blue mask and the text "Mask Bloc - HTX."
October 17, 2025 at 10:57 PM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
This September we successfully fulfilled all our mask requests. We had 8 requests from all across Houston, surrounding areas, and beyond!

A true thank you to our wonderful volunteers who make fulfilling these requests possible and to our followers for helping us get connected with the people who...
An image with a golden-yellow background decorated with wavy indigo lines of varying width. the image is titled: "september mask requests". to the right of the title is an orange cartoon illustration of a multi-pointed leaf. in the top right corner of the image is the mask bloc htx logo, a light blue circle with blue text that reads: "mask bloc - htx" above a simple image of a mask. at the center of the image is a map of houston marked with 8 light blue KN95 and green N95 respirators. the masks are primarily placed in northwest houston. to the top of the map are two small blue outlined boxes with arrows pointing at them. the left box shows a green N95 mask above the word "tomball." the right box shows a light blue KN95 mask above he word "bammel." these boxes indicate a mask delivery made outside of the main maps depicted area. to the top right side of the map is a wavy indigo text box that says "8." below the masp of houston is indogo text that read: "request your free masks today."
October 12, 2025 at 12:45 AM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
We are introducing a new virtual grief circle event that you can join on Saturday, October 11th using this link: meet.jit.si/EconomicNets...
at 11am CT.

Want to connect with more people in our community?
Join us as we support each other through these times.
#covid19 #grief #houston #texas
On a purple background are sketches of clouds and two friends hugging. This is a poster for a virtual event occuring on October 11th at 11am CT. The event description includes the following: "Are you feeling isolated & stuck in anguish during these trying times? Come start your mo(u)rning off right with an online Community Grief Circle. Here we will support each other by exploring embodiment tools and rituals that help us process and move through our collective pain." The Houston mask bloc logo is at the bottom of the frame - a light blue circle with a dark blue mask and simple text "Mask Bloc - HTX". The frame of the logo has bats and a witch. @Maskbloc.HTX is at the bottom of the frame.
October 3, 2025 at 6:38 PM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
Join us this month at one of our events to meet your covid aware community, either in-person or virtually! We would love to fill the calendar up with our mask bloc tabling events and fun Covid-safer event in-person! Would you like to host an event for our community?
on a blue background with a paper texture are a few dates listed for events that the houston texas mask bloc is hosting. the top of the graphic is titled: "upcoming events: Mask Bloc HTX". the events include: virtual presentation and Q&A october 4th and october 25th: learn all about respirators and ask your questions about masks at 530pm CT. october 11th at 11am CT, come start your mo(u)rning off right with an online community grief circle. october 18th: museum of funeral history visit - time - TBD. join us in-person to get into the halloween spirit at the national museum of funeral history! there are cartoon bats, a graveyard, a ghost, and spiderwebs decorating this event. along the bottom of the frame are photos of N95 aura 1870+ respirators throughout the process of having sip valves installed. at the top of the calendar are 2 cartoon respirators smiling. orange stars decorate the graphic and highlight the dates. the houston mask bloc logo is in the upper left hand corner - a simple blue circle with a dark blue mask graphic and the text - "mask bloc - HTX". a spider web is in the upper left hand corner.
October 3, 2025 at 12:27 AM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
Are you having trouble filling a prescription for Paxlovid?

If you haven't already, try exploring your options with Paxcess - a patient support program.

If you need help finding a pharmacy that carries Paxlovid , or you need help with insurance verification and reimbursement, this program may be
On a deep blue background decorated with indigo ribbons, tree leaves, and geometric shapes are 4 tiles with text explaining the process of enrolling in Paxcess. The title of this graphic reads: "Paxcess - Patient Support Program". The 4 tiles read: 1) Do you want to save money on... Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir 150mg tables | Ritonavir 100mg tablets) 2) Enroll - in the co-pay savings program to download an activated card 3) Activate - your co-pay card from your doctor to unlock your savings 4) Complete - a rebate form to see if you can get reibursed for your prescription." At the bottom of the frame is the mask bloc instagram handle - @maskbloc.htx - with the logo of the bloc in the upper right hand corner (a light blue circle with a dark blue mask and the simple text "Mask Bloc - HTX".
September 25, 2025 at 12:42 AM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
It shouldn't be this hard and confusing to find a vaccine at your local pharmacy.
In Texas, you are able to receive a vaccine without a doctor's prescription.
Our friends at the Covid Conscious Bloc of San Antonio @ccb.sa created a helpful guide for Bexar County in San Antonio,
On a grey background with a purple speckled border is a map of the U.S. This map is showing the Covid-19 vaccine availability at CVS pharmacies in every state. In Texas, it is available without a prescription. This graphic is titled: "Covid-19 is surging" "Fall 2025 Vaccines are avaialble in Texas" with extra information underneath reading: "Fall 2025-2026 vaccines are available at CVS, Walgreens, and Costco" "Pfizer (5 years and Older) Moderna (6 months and older) Novavax (12 years and older)". The Houston Mask Bloc logo is in the upper right hand corner - a light blue circle with a dark blue mask and the simple text "Mask Bloc - HTX". There is a longhorn outline at the top of the graphic. On the same background with an outline of a longhorn head at the top of the frame is some text reading: "The FDA in late August approved COVID-19 vaccines! But only to people that are 65 and those with underlying health conditions" "Before, the FDA recommended that anyone 6 months and older get the shot." There are 2 cartoon N95 respirators looking at the text. The bottom of the graphic reads: "The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends COVID-19 vaccine for all adults, children, and pregnant women in contrary to the federal government’s recently narrowed recommendations for the shots. " and "Many doctors groups agree, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology" The Hill, 09/09/2025. At the bottom of the frame are cartoon depictions of a stethoscope, a syringe with a vaccine, a uterus, and a fetus. The Houston Mask Bloc logo is in the lower left hand corner - a light blue circle with a dark blue mask and the simple text "Mask Bloc - HTX". On the same background with an outline of a longhorn head at the top of the frame is a call to action reading: "Call your local pharmacies to let them know there is DEMAND FOR VACCINES" "Double-check with your insurance for coverage updates" and "Wear an N95 respirator or KN95 mask to protect your health from airborne diseases". There are 2 cartoon masks eyeing the text. At the bottom of the frame is a light blue box with a statistic highlighted in red: " As of April 26, 2025 only 23.0% of adults reported having received the 2024─25 COVID-19 vaccine. Source: The CDC". The Houston Mask Bloc logo is in the lower left hand corner - a light blue circle with a dark blue mask and the simple text "Mask Bloc - HTX".
September 18, 2025 at 5:23 PM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
Looking something casual and creative to do this weekend?

Mask Bloc HTX is meeting up at the Carnegie Neighborhood Library at 1:30 PM CST for another Library Crafting Day! We will be decorating masks, assembling zines and educational material, and hanging out.
#covid19 #houston #texas #craftingday
A light orange post with notebook paper, scissors, pliers, chain, mask, and beading graphics advertising an event with the text "Join us this Saturday, September 20, for another Library Crafting Day. Location: Carnegie Neighborhood Library. Date and time: Saturday September 20th, 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Please bring: scissors, jewelry supplies, markers, stickers, zine PDFs, etc. Some will be provided. Paid printing at library. Masks required and provided." The Mask Bloc HTX logo is in the top left.
September 18, 2025 at 5:10 PM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
We're heading into fall with all of our mask requests successfully filled. In the month of August, we had 8 mask requests from all across Houston and even beyond.

A heartfelf thank you to our wonderful volunteers who make fulfilling these requests possible and to our followers for helping...
An image with a golden-yellow background decorated with wavy indigo lines of varying width. The image is titled, “August Mask Requests”. To the right of the title is a light-blue cartoon illustration of a smiling backpack. In the top right corner of the image is the Mask Bloc HTX logo: a light-blue circle with blue text that reads, “Mask Bloc – HTX” above a simple image of a mask. At the center of the image is a map of Houston marked with 8 light-blue KN95 and green N95 respirators. The masks are primarily placed in northwest Houston. To the left of the map is a small blue outlined box with an arrow pointing at it. The box shows a green N95 mask below the word “Katy”. This box indicates a mask delivery made outside of the main map’s depicted area. To the top right side of the map is a wavy indigo text box that says, “8”. Below the map of Houston is indigo text that reads, “Request your free masks today!”.
September 13, 2025 at 12:39 AM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
Join us this month at one of our events to meet your covid aware community, either in-person or virtually! We would love to fill the calendar up with our mask bloc tabling events and fun Covid-safer events in-person!
#covid19 #houston #texas #mutualaid #maskup #publichealth #longcovid #virtualevent
On a blue background with a paper texture are a few dates listed for events that the Houston Texas Mask Bloc is hosting. The top of the graphic is titled: "Upcoming Events: Mask Bloc HTX". The events include: Virtual Presentation and Q&A September 6th and September 27th: Learn all about Respirators Ask your questions about masks. 5:30pm CT. September 13th: Feisty Fest - A 1 Year Celebration of Queer Joy, Creativity, & Community. Drag, live music, 30+ vendors open to all ages 2-8pm CT. Small cartoon balloons and confetti with the Feisty Collective logo adorn this event. September 20th: Library Craft Day - Decorate Masks - Join us in person to practice crafting with masks and respirators, 1:30-4:30pm at the Carnegie Neighborhood Library. Along the bottom of the frame are photos of N95 Aura 1870+ respirators throughout the process of having sip valves installed. At the top of the calendar are 2 cartoon respirators smiling. Orange stars decorate the graphic and highlight the dates. The Houston mask bloc logo is in the upper left hand corner - a simple blue circle with a dark blue mask graphic and the text - "Mask Bloc - HTX".
September 5, 2025 at 3:16 PM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
A recent study shows that mask usage in school saves lives as it helps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses.

It may not come as a surprise that this increase of the spread of illnesses happens as the school season begins again. So what can we do to keep each other safe?
#covid19
An image with a black chalkboard background decorated with various chalk illustrations. The image is titled, “Mask Usage in Schools Saves Lives”. There are two speech bubbles below the title. The left speech bubble comes from an illustration of a microscope and it reads, “COVID-19 cases are surging in Texas, just in time for back-to-school season, according to wastewater samples taken last week”. The speech bubble on the right comes from an illustration of a magnifying glass and it reads, “Wastewater rates point to very high levels locally. More cases expected as kids go back to school.” Two lines of text run along the bottom of the entire image: “'Stratus' variant dominates COVID-19 surge in Texas. What to know.’ Aug. 2025, Houston Chronicle.” and “‘It's a hot COVID summer as Central Texas sees annual spike in cases’. Aug 2025, Houston Chronicle”. In the bottom right corner of the image is the Mask Bloc HTX logo: a light-blue circle with blue text that reads, “Mask Bloc – HTX” above a simple image of a mask. An image with a black chalkboard background decorated with blue chalky lines on all sides and various chalk illustrations. The image text begins, “Why monitor wastewater for data on COVID-19?”. A green dotted line text box below reads, “School wastewater provides a more narrow sample that is largely limited to residents and families...This can help eliminate outliers in the form of conventions and other events that bring people to the city”. A second question reads, “And what can we do to keep each other safe?”. The response for this question reads, “It’s all about just maintaining those best practices...The best tool against COVID-19 is prevention”. A chalky illustration of a smiling N95 sits between two smiling KN95s. A line of text runs along the bottom of the entire image: “‘Nearly 30 HISD schools have COVID-19 in their wastewater, public health officials say’. Aug 2024, Houston Chronicle”. An image with a black chalkboard background decorated with blue chalky lines on all sides. The first text in the image is a quote that reads, “Using weekly district-level mask mandate data and county-level COVID deaths data, we find that removing mask mandates in schools led to a large and statistically significant increase in COVID deaths”. In the center of the image is a diagram titled, “Figure 2: Conceptual Framework of COVID Spread in Schools and Communities”. The diagram shows the relationship between three instances (from left to right) using arrowed lines: “COVID Cases in Schools” that “spread through students & staff” causing “COVID cases in Communities”. Indicated by two arrows, one that goes into (causing) and one that exits (results in), “COVID cases in Communities” are also “spread through families & communities”. The cause and effect relationship between “COVID Cases in Schools” “COVID cases in Communities” leads to “COVID deaths”. A timeline below the three instances begins at “1-2 weeks”, with “COVID Cases in Schools” and ends at “4-6 weeks” with “COVID Deaths”. The instance of “COVID cases in Communities” is in the middle of that timeframe. A quote follows this diagram, “...the impact of removing [mask usage in schools] was most heavily felt among adults in the broader population”. A line of text runs along the bottom of the entire image: “‘Spillovers from Public Health Policies in Schools: Evidence from COVID Mask Mandates’. May 2025, National Bureau of Economic Research”. An image with a black chalkboard background decorated with blue chalky lines on all sides. There are three quotes on this page, divided by small blue chalky lines. The first quote reads, “Substantial research indicates that masks themselves are highly effective for mitigating COVID spread…”. The second quote reads, “Mask usage ‘led to a weekly reduction of 0.57 COVID deaths per 100k residents”. The third quote reads, “...school mitigation strategies resulted in lower transmission rates than those observed in the community”. A chalky illustration of a smiling N95 sits below the quotes. A line of text runs along the bottom of the entire image: “‘Spillovers from Public Health Policies in Schools: Evidence from COVID Mask Mandates’. May 2025, National Bureau of Economic Research”.
September 2, 2025 at 7:08 PM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
Have you noticed everyone around you is sick?

It is back to school time, so we are experiencing a large COVID wave, just like we have the previous few years. Although lethality has lowered from initial Covid-19 infections, our infection rates continue to stay high and have even risen to peak...
On a gradient red to blue background is a map of the United States. Each state is a hot red, orange, or yellow color. On top of each state is a red arrow pointing up, indicating an increase in covid positivity. The title of the graphic reads: "Why is everyone sick? Covid has been on the rise in every state. " Next to the title are 2 emojis: one is wondering, and the other is nauseous. At the bottom of the graphic is a bit more information: "The first week of August was the largest absolute increase in COVID positivity for the entire U.S. since the OG Omicron Outbreak. 3.7 million cases this year (8/24) KIDS 0-17 most affected." In the upper right-hand corner is the Mask Bloc logo - a light blue circle with a dark blue mask and simple text: Mask Bloc - HTX."
September 2, 2025 at 6:55 PM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
We would like to compile some resources for our community here in Houston, TX and anybody this may help!
Infection rates were already rising before the school year started and we just had the largest absolute increase in Covid positivity for the whole U.S. since the OG Omicron outbreak.
#covid19
on a light blue background is the text: "the covid aware community may be fractured, but your are not alone". fractured is highlighted and underlined. a lone stick figure sadly stands in the lower left hand corner wearing a white n95 respirator. there is a smiling cartoon n95 respirator and kn95 mask decorating the text. the mask bloc logo is in the upper left hand corner - a light blue circle with a dark blue mask and the simple text "mask bloc-htx". the mask bloc handle is in the lower right - @maskbloc.htx. a digital mouse symbol is below the word "alone". on the same light blue background is a piece of information from the CDC:"the cdc: feelings of exclusion and marginalization share the same neural pathways as physical pain. jan, 2012." below the information is the text: "what are some things we can do to alleviate these feelings in the covid aware community?". a smiling n95 respirator peaks out of the let hand side. the houston mask bloc logo is in the upper right hand corner - a light blue circle with a dark blue mask and the simple text: "mask bloc htx". on the same light blue background is a highlighted title: "join an online groups or discussion boards". below the title are 4 websites/apps with their respected logos. reddit communities: r/zerocovidcommunity, r/covidlonghaulers, r/coronavirus, r/covidconnections. Discord: covid solidarity, covid study library, digital disableds, pandemic! at the discord!, refresh connections: a social app designed for those taking airborne infections seriously. facebook: still coviding - *city*. the houston mask bloc logo is in the lower right hand corner - a light blue circle with a dark blue mask and the simple text: "mask bloc - htx". on the same light blue background is a highlighted title: "support and affinity groups". below the title are several groups with their respected logos. "black long covid experience, LLC, community care clinic for disabled and chronically ill movement folks, co-resting - welcoming new members oct. 2025, pillow crafters - group crafting sessions, pillow writers - an ME/CFS writing group". all of these groups were sourced from the organization: https//longcovidjustice.org/support-groups/. the houston mask bloc logo is in the upper left hand corner - a light blue circle with a dark blue mask and the simple text: "mask bloc - htx".
August 26, 2025 at 8:43 PM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
During the summer showers of July, we successfully fulfilled all our mask requests. We had 8 mask requests from all across Houston and even beyond!

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful volunteers who make fulfilling these requests possible and
#houston #texas #covid19 #masks #mutualaid
An image with a golden-yellow background decorated with wavy indigo lines of varying width. The image is titled, “July Mask Requests”. To the right of the title is a simple light-blue cartoon illustration of a smiling sun. In the top right corner of the image is the Mask Bloc HTX logo: a light-blue circle with blue text that reads, “Mask Bloc – HTX” above a simple image of a mask. At the center of the image is a map of Houston marked with 8 light-blue KN95 and green N95 respirators. The masks are primarily placed in the downtown and northwest Houston. At the top center and bottom corners of the map are small blue outlined boxes with arrows pointing at them. The box at the top shows a green N95 mask above the words “Spring”. The lower left box shows a blue KN95 mask near the word “Richmond”. The lower right box shows a green N95 respirator mask above “Seabrook”. These boxes indicate a mask delivery made outside of the main map’s depicted area. To the top right side of the map is a wavy indigo text box that says, “8”. Below the map of Houston is indigo text that reads, “Request your free masks today!”.
August 13, 2025 at 2:21 PM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
Join us this Saturday for a virtual presentation and Q&A all about respirators led by Texan_reverend, follow him on mastodon!
Link to join this Saturday at 5:30pm CT: meet.jit.si/EconomicNets...
#covid19 #houston #texas #publichealth #masks #respirators #virtualevent #ppe
August 8, 2025 at 11:25 PM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
Breakthrough studies are showing that common airborne viruses like the flu and Covid-19 are able to reactivate dormant cancer cells in humans.
Viral respiratory infections are common. Seasonal influenza affects more than 1 billion people...
#covid19 #cancer #breastcancer #houston #texas
In the background of this graphic is a cloud of smoke pulling into a cartoon anatomical, human lung. The right lung is red while the left is a calm indigo. In bold letters the title reads "Covid-19 & Flu reactivate cancer cells" with two small text bubbles below stating: "Researchers found that individuals with a SARS-CoV-2 infection had an increased risk of dying from cancer compared with uninfected survivors." and "A previous SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with a greater than 40% increased risk of metastatic breast cancer in the lungs." The mask bloc logo is in the lower left hand corner - a simple blue circle with a dark blue mask and the text "Mask Bloc - HTX." One of the main sources is at the bottom of the frame: Chia, S.B., Johnson, B.J., Hu, J. et al. Respiratory viral infections awaken metastatic breast cancer cells in lungs. Nature (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09332-0.
August 6, 2025 at 11:52 PM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
Join us this month at one of our events to meet your covid aware community, either in-person or virtually! We would love to fill the calendar up with our mask bloc tabling events and fun Covid-safer events in-person!
Would you like to host an event for our community?
#covid19 #houston #texas #masks
On a blue background with a paper texture are a few dates listed for events that the Houston Texas Mask Bloc is hosting. The top of the graphic is titled: "Upcoming Events: Mask Bloc HTX". The events include: Back to School with Pride 9am to 1pm CT @ Tony's Place: Family-friendly, outdoor Pride event with local HTX LGBTQ resources and businesses". There are cartoon school supplies by this banner and pride hearts adorn the bottom. August 6th - Pearl Bar - Top Surgery Benefit: Watch a King Sized show fundraiser, Mask Blloc Table with resources at 9:30pm CT." A Small cartoon crown adorns this event. August 9th: "Virtual Presentation and Q&A - Learn all about respirators, ask your questions about masks. 5:30pm CT". August 23rd: "Virtual Presentation and Q&A - Learn all about respirators, ask your questions about masks. 5:30pm CT". Along the bottom of the frame are photos of N95 Aura 1870+ respirators throughout the process of having sip valves installed. At the top of the calendar are 2 cartoon respirators smiling. Orange stars decorate the graphic and highlight the dates. The Houston mask bloc logo is in the upper left hand corner - a simple blue circle with a dark blue mask graphic and the text - "Mask Bloc - HTX".
August 3, 2025 at 12:06 AM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
From the Article: 'New COVID-19 variants surge as Kennedy escalates war on science'
www.wsws.org/en/articles/...

"The ruling class’s declaration that “the pandemic is over” has been disproven yet again, as the 11th wave of mass COVID-19 infection is now sweeping across
#covid19 #houston #texas
On a black background is bold white text, with red and green to highlight the numbers. The main text of this graphic reads: "11 Mass Covid-19 Waves" "The average American has been infected 3.85 Times...". At the bottom of the frame is another quick piece of info: "More than 1 billion Covid infections have occured since the pandemic began". At the top of the graphic is the mask bloc handle - @maskbloc.htx and July, 2025. At the bottom of the frame is the mask bloc logo - a light blue circle with a dark blue mask and simple text - "Mask Bloc - HTX". There is a cartoon KN95 respirator eyeing the bold white text, and an N95 respirator smiling at the bottom of the frame.
August 1, 2025 at 9:29 PM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
While it felt important to share this promising news, this also serves as a bittersweet reminder that our pets can contract Covid 19 just like we can. Researchers are finding that this can cause life-threatening health issues in them much like it does in us.
#covid19 #cats #mutualaid #fip
Down the left hand side of the graphic, large green and orange font reads, “Cats Illuminate A Cure For Long Covid” against a navy blue background. This larger text is flanked by smaller white text above and below it which reads respectively, “Good News!” and “Long COVID isn’t fully understood yet, but scientists are closing in on crucial clues by investigating a similar phenomenon in cats.” To the right of the bulletin, a graphic of a pink cat sits in a white cloud with a winged pink halo floating above its head. Its beady eyes peer to the upper righthand corner where a large red graphic of the novel coronavirus floats. It has fangs and an angry look on its face. The Houston mask bloc logo floats in the bottom right hand corner—a simple light blue circle with a dark blue mask and the text "Mask Bloc HTX". Against the same navy background, three centered paragraphs elaborate: White text reads, “A new study published in Stem Cells Translational Medicine explains how a relatively rare feline disease is almost like a cat version of long COVID.” Orange text reads, “Similar to severe coronavirus infections in humans, feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) sends cats’ immune system off-kilter.” Green text reads, “Therapy involving mesenchymal stromal cells, however, has shown promise in restoring immune function in cats, potentially serving as a blueprint for long COVID research.” Against the same navy background, three more centered paragraphs explain: Orange text reads, “Even if you treat the infection with antivirals, your immune system oftentimes still won't go back to normal or where it was before infection,” said corresponding author Amir Kol—a professor at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine—in a statement”. White text reads, “This might have long-lasting effects on your health, and this study shows that MSC may help.” Green text reads, “Reversing immune dysfunction after viral infection may be possible because these cells are present in almost all tissues and are being used in therapeutic applications that modulate the immune system.” Against the same navy background, three final centered paragraphs summarize the experiment: Green text reads, “Researchers involved in the new study tested cellular therapy on cats with enlarged lymph nodes to assess how well their immune systems could recover.” White text reads, “In a clinical trial, one group of cats received antiviral drugs along with infusions of MSCs, while a second group received antiviral drugs and placebo infusions.” Orange text reads, “According to the researchers, cats treated with MSC therapy had fewer overly active T and B cells (which are associated with immune overdrive) and more regulatory T cells (which can calm the immune system). These cats also formed long-term ‘memory’ cells that are vital in protecting the body in the future.”
July 31, 2025 at 4:04 PM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
The pandemic is not over and the language used in the graphic is the language used in the study.

This is isn't new information, but we must move differently with this knowledge.

There are many factors contributing to our downward shifting life expectancy worldwide,
#covid19 #publichealth
Bold text down the center of this graphic reads: "2024/2025 studies show: Life expectancy never returned to baseline after COVID pandemic." At the bottom of the frame is a quote from one of the sources: “Not only has the pandemic set back healthy longevity worldwide by years, it also reversed the previous trends of shifting disease burden to noncommunicable diseases.” At the top of the graphic is the source: "WHO: COVID-19 pandemic reversed decade of life expectancy gains, 2024." And the Houston mask bloc logo is in the upper left hand corner - a simple light blue circle with a dark blue mask and the text - "Mask Bloc - HTX". The pandemic has not ended, the graphic contains the language used in the study referenced.
July 29, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Reposted by MaskblocHTX
maskblochtx.bsky.social
Join us this Saturday for a virtual presentation and Q&A all about respirators led by Texan_reverend, follow him on mastodon!
Link to join this Saturday at 5:30pm CT: meet.jit.si/EconomicNets...
#covid19 #houston #texas #publichealth #masks #respirators #virtualevent #ppe
On a deep blue background is the text "Let's talk respirators" with the smaller text below saying "Do you want to learn how N95 respirators are fit-tested?". Below the main title text is a picture of our virtual speaker: Texan_reverend - white guy in a navy blue hoodie with buzzed brown hair & beard wearing rectangular black glasses & a white Draeger 1950 trifold N95 adorned with a magnetic Pride flag pin. Under it is a blue, non-latex, exercise loop wrapped from below chin to crown of head, containing the beard for a proper seal." The text to the left of our speaker states "or learn about: mask chains, magnets, drinking valves, beard elastic bands, markers, children's sizing, masking in special situations." The date and time for this event is Saturday July 26th. from 5:30pm till the end. Register now! The mask bloc handle is in the lower right hand corner: @maskbloc.HTX. On a deep blue background is a qr code, centered in the top quarter of the slide. "Donate" in light green text runs along the top left hand side of the qr code and utilizing the "d" in donate, the word "distribute" in light green text runs down the left side of the slide. Along the right hand side of the slide, is light green text reading "sustain" and in the top right hand corner of the slide is the mask bloc htx logo. Under the qr code in light green text is a paragraph reading "we are a small, lgbtq+, black, poc, and disabled-led grassroots group based in so-called "houston". We resist covid eugenics by distributing high filtration masks & other PPE to our communities. Donated funds will cover the costs to keep an inventory of respirators, tests, and other vital covid care tools. We are dedicated to fighting both the ongoing pandemic and the deliberate erasure of covid from public narrative through mutual aid, community education, and activism".
July 25, 2025 at 5:21 PM
maskblochtx.bsky.social
Join us this Saturday for a virtual presentation and Q&A all about respirators led by Texan_reverend, follow him on mastodon!
Link to join this Saturday at 5:30pm CT: meet.jit.si/EconomicNets...
#covid19 #houston #texas #publichealth #masks #respirators #virtualevent #ppe
On a deep blue background is the text "Let's talk respirators" with the smaller text below saying "Do you want to learn how N95 respirators are fit-tested?". Below the main title text is a picture of our virtual speaker: Texan_reverend - white guy in a navy blue hoodie with buzzed brown hair & beard wearing rectangular black glasses & a white Draeger 1950 trifold N95 adorned with a magnetic Pride flag pin. Under it is a blue, non-latex, exercise loop wrapped from below chin to crown of head, containing the beard for a proper seal." The text to the left of our speaker states "or learn about: mask chains, magnets, drinking valves, beard elastic bands, markers, children's sizing, masking in special situations." The date and time for this event is Saturday July 26th. from 5:30pm till the end. Register now! The mask bloc handle is in the lower right hand corner: @maskbloc.HTX. On a deep blue background is a qr code, centered in the top quarter of the slide. "Donate" in light green text runs along the top left hand side of the qr code and utilizing the "d" in donate, the word "distribute" in light green text runs down the left side of the slide. Along the right hand side of the slide, is light green text reading "sustain" and in the top right hand corner of the slide is the mask bloc htx logo. Under the qr code in light green text is a paragraph reading "we are a small, lgbtq+, black, poc, and disabled-led grassroots group based in so-called "houston". We resist covid eugenics by distributing high filtration masks & other PPE to our communities. Donated funds will cover the costs to keep an inventory of respirators, tests, and other vital covid care tools. We are dedicated to fighting both the ongoing pandemic and the deliberate erasure of covid from public narrative through mutual aid, community education, and activism".
July 25, 2025 at 5:21 PM