Tensions rise over masks as virus grips smaller US cities

Anti-masker demonstrators converge on Central District Health offices in Boise, Idaho (Darin Oswald/Idaho Statesman via AP)

Arguments over mask requirements and other restrictions have turned ugly in recent days as the deadly coronavirus surge across the US engulfs small and medium-size cities that once seemed safely removed from the outbreak.

In Boise, Idaho, public health officials about to vote on a four-county mask mandate abruptly ended a meeting on Tuesday evening because of fears for their safety amid anti-mask protests outside the building and at some of their homes.