Photos: The global march of face masks

Reyhane Rajaei wearing a protective face mask to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus speaks with The Associated Press at a gold market of Tehran's Grand Bazaar, Iran, Wednesday, July 22, 2020. "My own grandmother died from the new coronavirus, and some members of may family also caught it but they survived. I try to wear a face mask so that I won't catch it at least and also to avoid putting other into trouble." Reyhane said. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Reyhane Rajaei wearing a protective face mask to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus speaks with The Associated Press at a gold market of Tehran's Grand Bazaar, Iran, Wednesday, July 22, 2020. "My own grandmother died from the new coronavirus, and some members of may family also caught it but they survived. I try to wear a face mask so that I won't catch it at least and also to avoid putting other into trouble." Reyhane said. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

From Hong Kong to Havana, from Jerusalem's Old City to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library, you'll find them.

We wear them on the runway, or running to first base. While playing the drums, or feeding the pigeons, or riding a horse. Some sparkle, and some make us chuckle. Some cover the faces of world leaders.

Some of those wearing masks adapted quickly. Others took time to accept them as necessary, and yet more question whether they really are needed, despite medical evidence that they help prevent the coronavirus from spreading. All are wondering how much longer they'll remain nearly ubiquitous in public life.

Upcoming Events