How safe is Mask to Mask kiss in a partially vaccinated world? Let’s know from Experts

Mask to Mask kiss

Mask to mask kisses have become a new trend, freshly emerged from the west. Many celebrities have been spotted kissing publicly with their masks on. Recently Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States and second gentleman Doug Emhoff kissed before heading their separate ways on flights with their masks on. Hashtag India gets you some expert opinion on how safe or otherwise mask-to-mask kissing actually is.

Spillsvilla and Khatron Ke Khiladi 11 contestant Varun Sood kissed his girlfriend Divya Agarwal at the Mumbai airport with a mask on as he was leaving for Cape Town, South Africa for the competition. Since last year, all the experts, doctors, and medical practitioners have suggested that the best way to keep the deadly virus at bay is to avoid making physical relations with people outside their homes. 

Dr Shweta Goswami, Senior Consultant IVF from Jaypee Hospital, is of the opinion that conditions in India are a world apart from those in the US right now. “In the United States, a large part of the population is now vaccinated, but in India, we are yet to see the deadly second wave peaking, even as the virus continues to mutate. Even vaccines cannot offer 100% protection, and hence, we should not drop our guards at this point in time,” she shares. 

New Delhi-based gynaecologist, Dr Anubha Singh agrees, and stressing on the importance of proper mutual masking, she adds, “A mask protects the other person in how it limits the spread of your respiratory droplets. For masks to truly reduce the risks of getting COVID-19, mutual masking is necessary.”

The consequences of dropping mask etiquette and kissing publicly can go beyond one person getting COVID-19. Dr. Shobha Gupta explained, “It’s very dangerous as the outer surface of the mask has the maximum germs. Close contact with a mask on could be risky. Hence, I would advise avoiding face-to-face contact or closeness.” The experts all warn against the transmission of aerosols that might take place if you attempt mask-to-mask kissing. 

COVID-19 transmission risk would also be impacted by a number of other factors, such as the degree of face-to-face contact and how fatal the infection is. Right now, there just isn’t enough data to be definitive, but it is advisable to have some more patience and maintain distance. Avoid kissing, hugging in public places and prioritise your health and the safety of others too.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Crystal Clear: Top Indian Brands Fueling the Spiritual Wellness Boom

From rose quartz tucked into handbags to amethyst clusters doubling up as bedside décor, crystals have quietly made their way from niche spiritual circles to the everyday routines of a generation searching for balance. In a world obsessed with self-care, manifestation, and mindful living, these shimmering stones have become more than just beautiful objects. Across India, a new wave of homegrown brands is redefining how people engage with crystals. What was once limited to a handful of metaphysical stores has evolved into thoughtfully curated businesses offering everything from ethically sourced stones and crystal jewellery to workshops, energy healing, and personalised spiritual experiences. Backed by growing communities and a desire to make alternative wellness more approachable, these brands are proving that spirituality can be both deeply personal and beautifully modern. Meet the homegrown brands bringing a touch of magic, mindfulness, and meaning to the country’s thriving spiritual wellness space. Top 6 Homegrown Brands Fueling India’s Crystal Wellness Boom Crystals by Riya: What began as curiosity eventually became a life-changing journey for founder Riya Jain. After completing her MBA and working in the corporate world, she found herself drawn to something more meaningful. Fascinated by crystals and spiritual wellness, she left her job to launch Crystals by Riya, which has now completed six years and fulfilled over 50,000 orders. Customisation remains one of the brand’s defining pillars. “We believe jewellery should tell a personal story,” says Jain. “We work closely with our clients to transform their ideas into meaningful pieces they can cherish for years.” More than sales, she values the community the brand has built, adding, “Many of our customers return to us not just for products, but because they resonate with the values we stand for.” Having watched the spiritual wellness space evolve, Jain believes people are becoming “far more

Tre Wellness: A Thoughtfully Curated Healing Retreat Near Hyderabad

Just two hours from Hyderabad, surrounded by open skies, birdsong, and the calming calls of peacocks, Tre Wellness feels more like a serene healing sanctuary than a typical wellness escape. Located in Kolkunda, the 20-room retreat blends Ayurveda, naturopathy, and mindful hospitality into a deeply restorative experience. Sinduri Vuppala shares her stay at Tre Wellness, where every detail is thoughtfully designed around holistic wellbeing. I honestly didn’t know what to expect before arriving. Wellness retreats often promise transformation, but very few manage to balance authentic healing with genuine comfort. Tre Wellness surprised me because it did both, thoughtfully, quietly, and without feeling performative. The experience began on a warm and welcoming note the moment we checked in. Before anything else, there was a detailed wellness questionnaire followed by a one-on-one consultation with the in-house doctor that lasted close to 30 minutes. It didn’t feel rushed or standardised. The doctors genuinely tried to understand lifestyle patterns, health concerns, stress levels, sleep habits, digestion, and overall well-being before suggesting therapies. What stood out immediately was how personalised everything felt. Rather than placing guests into fixed wellness packages, the team carefully blended Ayurveda and naturopathy based on individual needs. By lunchtime on the very first day, each of us already had a customised healing plan prepared. My therapies began with an Abhyanga massage, and from there, every treatment felt intentionally curated. Day two was Udwartana, an Ayurvedic dry powder massage therapy known for stimulating the lymphatic system and activating pressure points and improving circulation, while another involved a deeply relaxing potli massage. Reflexology is also given daily for around 15 minutes as part of the healing routine. There were also mud packs, liver treatments, water yoga, face yoga, detox therapies, and herbal treatments woven seamlessly into the schedule. Every guest follows a structured

A Slower Side of Goa: Elements by Rosetta and Evenings at Ouzo Delmar

There’s a version of Goa that doesn’t try too hard to be seen. It’s quieter, a little more contained, and far more rewarding if you let yourself slow down. That’s the space Elements by Rosetta fits into. Set in Varca, slightly removed from the busier stretches, the property feels designed to hold you in, not isolate you, but gently detach you from everything outside. You’re close enough to the beach, but not constantly aware of it. Instead, the focus stays within, on space, light, and how you move through it. The layout is simple but effective. Low-rise blocks frame a central pool that becomes the heart of the property. Most rooms face into it, so no matter where you are, there’s always a visual connection to water. Check-in is smooth, without the usual over-explaining. You’re handed fresh coconut water, branded, yes, but still refreshing enough to land in your room, within minutes. Room tariffs typically range from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000, with higher rates for premium categories. The jacuzzi room with direct pool access is easily the one to pick. It changes the way you use the space entirely. You’re not scheduling pool time, you’re stepping in and out of it between everything else. The pool itself carries most of the day’s energy. Some people are stretched out with books, some in the water, others parked by the poolside bar, which adds just enough movement to keep things from feeling too still. It never tips into being loud, which is what makes it work. Mornings are slow. Afternoons are slower. Evenings naturally find their way back to the jacuzzi or a quiet corner of the property. It’s indulgent, but in a way that doesn’t feel forced. Beyond the obvious, the property is fairly well-rounded. There’s a small game room, a gym,

Eat Clean with Eshanka: Dubai to Delhi Wellness Journey

With her professional base in Dubai and strong roots in Delhi, Eshanka Wahi brings together global business acumen and deeply personal purpose. An alumna of the European Business School, London, where she earned her Master’s in International Business, and a BCom (Honours) graduate from Delhi University, her academic foundation is firmly strategic. But her real education, she says, came from lived experience. At 21, she returned to India to build her first company from the ground up. “Those early years taught me resilience, decision-making, and the courage to build something from scratch,” she reflects. By 23, she had expanded independently into Dubai, navigating a new culture and market. Each transition strengthened her belief in “intentional growth, self-leadership, and manifestation backed by consistent action.” Wellness as Philosophy Eshanka describes her professional identity as rooted in holistic wellness, conscious living, and culinary nutrition. “My work is not confined to a single title; it is an extension of my beliefs and the way I choose to live,” she shares. Her journey into wellness unfolded organically. What began as personal exploration evolved into a calling. “Wellness was never just an interest; it was a philosophy and a responsibility.” Through recipes, products, and immersive experiences, she aims to simplify well-being. “Wellbeing is not a luxury; it is foundational to how we show up in every role we play.” Soul-Driven Creation What distinguishes her brand is alignment. “Everything I create is deeply soul-driven,” she says. Nothing is trend-led or mechanical. Her recipes use ingredients she personally trusts; her products reflect practices she follows; her retreats are designed to foster genuine reconnection. “This alignment between my beliefs, my lifestyle, and my work naturally differentiates me,” she explains. “Everything is built from authenticity, intention, and soul.” A Pandemic Pivot During COVID-19, her primary company in corporate events and