We all have to accept the reality now and prepare ourselves for a post COVID world. Wearing a mask in public places will be/or is already compulsory. As per the health Ministry, “ it has been recommended that all should wear a face mask in public to reduce transmission of Covid-19.”
There are widespread shortages of medical-grade face masks, and leaders and experts agree those should be reserved for healthcare providers. So, individuals have been advised to largely make their own face masks at home.
So, how should one make a mask at home? You can use cloth face coverings to make the masks and wear it when you are grocery or vegetable shopping. Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.
*Start with an old T-shirt, preferably 100% cotton and outline the pattern of the mask. The bottom line should go just beneath the armpits of the shirt. Make sure the part that goes on your face is large enough to cover your nose and mouth.
*Cut along the lines through both sides of the shirt so that your mask has two layers.
*Place a safety pin along the bottom and insert a piece of paper towel or coffee filter in between the two layers of the T-shirt. This acts as an additional filter, and rests on top of the safety pin. Tie the elastics to it with ear loops
*You can make a mask with a handkerchief too.
*Start with a handkerchief and two hair ties. Rubber bands are okay as well, although they will be less comfortable.
*Fold the handkerchief in half, along a horizontal axis, and make a nice crease.
*Place piece of paper towel or coffee filter at the center of the handkerchief. Fold the top down and the bottom up, so that the coffee filter or paper towel rests in the fold.
* Place your first elastic about one-third of the way in from the edge of the handkerchief. Place the second elastic one-third of the way in from the other side. The two elastics should be about one hand-width apart. You can stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping.
A few pointers to remember
Always wear a mask when you step out of the house. Don’t remove the mask until you’re at home or in a place where you can wash your hands and avoid coming within 6ft of other people. When you do remove the mask, avoid touching the front of it in case you breathed in infected droplets that could now be there.
Place the rest of the mask in soapy water, soak it for two minutes, then wash and rinse. Then wash your hands, and disinfect with bleach or alcohol anything you touched after taking off the mask. Never reuse a mask without washing it first.
So, try making a mask at home today. Or you can even teach children to do it. Let us know your experience.