Using a fabric face mask is recommended as an additional preventative measure against the coronavirus. It’s easy to make your own, but be sure to wear it properly.
Different countries have taken different stances on the wearing of face masks in the Covid-19 pandemic. In South Africa, as in many countries, the general public is urged not to use medical masks, which are in critical short supply for front-line health and security providers.
Fabric masks are less effective, but are simple to make, and are now being recommended by organisations from our Department of Health and National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They advise the masks as an additional measure to be used along with social distancing and handwashing.
COVID-19 is spread by respiratory droplets spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, says the CDC. "Therefore, wearing a fabric face mask is added as a prevention measure to help limit community transmission of the virus."
Cloth mask basics
The mask should include multiple layers of fabric and fit snugly but comfortably against the sides of your face when secured with ear loops or ties, and be able to be machine-washed and dried without changing shape. Don’t share your mask with anyone – make two, so you have one to wear while the other is in the wash.
How do you safely remove your face mask?
Take care whenever you remove the mask: don’t touch your nose, mouth or eyes, and wash your hands straight afterwards. And don’t use a mask on children under age 2. If you need to go out with those older than 2, get them used to wearing a mask so they don’t fiddle with it and touch their faces. Make a game of it at home, seeing how long they (and you!) can go without touching it. Remind them not to lower it if they talk or cough.
How to make an easy, no-sew face mask
There are many easy patterns online for sewing masks at home – choose one from a reputable website, like the Centre for Disease Control. But, the simplest fabric masks doesn’t even require sewing – just a scarf or a square of fabric about 50cm by 50cm, and two big rubber bands (you can link two small ones together) or hair ties.
Fold the square in half. Then fold down the top third of this, and fold up the bottom third to overlap it and make a strip. Slide a rubber band or hair tie over each end, until they are about 15cm apart. Fold the sides towards the middle, and if possible tuck one end into the other. To wear, simply hook the rubber bands over your ears.
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