Amid shortages of masks and other medical supplies in the country, the demand for face masks has shot up as people scramble for ways to protect themselves from the virus COVID-19. As hospitals and healthcare workers are in need of medical-grade masks, homemade masks are quickly becoming the most popular for ordinary citizens to help slow the spread and transmission of COVID-19.
Changing its guidelines, the CDC now recommends that people wear cloth face coverings in public spaces where following social distancing protocol may be difficult, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, and especially in areas of significant COVID-19 spread.
“CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.” the CDC stated on its website.
Because cloth face masks are not effective as surgical masks or N-95 respirators, which should be always reserved only for healthcare professionals, you should still follow Coronavirus precautions such as staying home as much as possible and maintaining 6 feet distance between others while wearing cloth face masks.
Cloth face masks should fit snugly on the sides of the face and over the nose, be secured with ties or ear loops, and include multiple layers of fabric. They also should allow for breathing and be laundered and machine dried without damage. After use, they should be removed carefully without touching eyes, nose, or mouth. Hands should be washed immediately and masks should be cleaned and in washing and drying machines routinely.
Children under the age of 2, people with trouble breathing and people unable to remove the mask without assistance should not wear masks.
How to Cut Out A Face Mask from A Shirt (No Sew)
1. Cut off a shirt 7-8 inches from its bottom.
2. Lay the piece you just cut off lengthwise and cut out a small square at one side, leaving space for what will be the mask and string parts.
3. Bring the mask over the nose and mouth on your face. Tie the strings around on the head over the ears and around the neck.
[Photo courtesy of the CDC]
Bandana Face Mask (No Sew)
1. Spread bandana completely flat.
2. Fold it in half.
3. Fold the top down to the middle then the bottom up onto it.
4. Place two rubber bands or hair ties on the bandana 6 inches apart.
5. Fold the sides to the middle over the bands or ties.
6. Tuck and place it over your nose and mouth.
[Photo courtesy of the CDC]
