Source of that story here with video (Chinese site): https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/azr-yqe8VTY9ov5ITMzq_g? 

For $40 each, there is a company that will print your face on the mask but they haven't launched yet: https://wccftech.com/company-claims-it-will-create-face-id-compatible-masks-to-unlock-iphones/ 

iPhone's infrared projection system used for Face ID would normally not be fooled into opening based on a picture like that (Samsung uses the camera only and has been successfully spoofed using pictures and siblings; supposedly that's improving) , but if you train your iPhone to work on such a mask, then obviously half the face is identical no matter who wears the mask.  It would be interesting to know if the current iPhone would accept or reject this half-face on another person.

Video on how the Face ID IR scanner works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4m6StzUcOw 

You can also disable Face ID if you prefer. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Use Face ID, and disable iPhone Unlock or iPad Unlock.  You can also do that temporarily if you prefer: https://www.howtogeek.com/531453/how-to-temporarily-disable-face-id-or-touch-id-on-your-iphone/ 

If you're concerned about contamination using passcode unlock, you can bag your phone in a ziplock bag and it will still accept touch inputs for passcode etc.  iPhones can also be disinfected with hand sanitizer wipes or Clorox wipes: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204172?mod=article_inline  Numerous companies also sell UV disinfection devices.

Rob Toreki