How to Make DIY Face-Masks To Help Prevent Coronavirus Spread

Coronavirus is an infection hugely spread through the respiratory organ. The virus is known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

In the last few months, the world has been fighting the spread of the virus and this has meant a lot of medical staff doing what they do best, saving lives and help curb the infection and recovery rates. For these reasons, the public has been asked not to purchase surgical masks or N95 respirators because this is causing a shortage for health care workers who need those masks to treat coronavirus patients.

In response, there’s been a rise in a DIY approach to making homemade masks. Although they may not be able to block out every particle, they can help a lot. They come in a different of patterns, so you’ll want to know the different options available to you — and some hospitals recommend certain designs over others.

What you’ll need to sew a face mask at home:

• Cotton fabric 
• Elastic
• A sewing kit or sewing machine
• A nonporous yet breathable material to go between the fabric (this may be detailed in a pattern)
• Some designs call for filter material, which is added in an effort to block smaller particles

Below is a step by step video tutorial on how.

No-sew options if you can’t sew

If you don’t know how to sew or even have no sewing equipment, don’t worry you’re not left out. Instead of sewing the fabric together, you can use fabric glue and an iron. The iron is used to press the fabric and glue together. If you don’t have any material, you can use a scarf or hair ties and rubber bands to quickly make a face-covering — this is intended for personal use –.

When you’re finished with the mask, it doesn’t hurt to sterilize it by throwing it in the washing machine or boiling it in water. Dry it out in the sun and you’re ready to go.

The World Health Organization on how-to-use and treat your mask:

• Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water before touching or putting on the mask.
• Make sure your entire nose and mouth are covered when you put it on.
• Avoid touching the mask while you’re out — this can contaminate it.
• Do not take the mask off while you’re in public.
• To take it off once you return, untie it from the back — don’t touch the front of it.
• You should immediately wash the mask after returning so it doesn’t contaminate your belongings.
• Wash your hands immediately after you’ve taken it off, and again after you’ve washed the mask.