How to make a homemade mask or face covering (approved by experts)

As protective supplies have been running out in some parts of the world, experts have pointed to new ways to avoid contagion. In this sense, the United States government explained to us how to make a face mask at home.

Until now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that when people go out they can use cloth covers to protect their faces, especially in those places where it is difficult to maintain a healthy distance. It is well known that the coronavirus can spread through saliva or respiratory droplets that come out of the mouth and that the virus can even be transmitted despite an individual not showing symptoms.

For her part, the World Health Organization joined some of the statements by experts about avoiding buying medical-grade masks, since the shortage of these products endangers health workers.

We must keep these protection products available to those who truly need them. For this reason, experts urge us to make our own masks and these can be made of various materials, including fabric.

Recommended cloth face coverings are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that should be kept reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance. – (C.D.C.)

Although these cloth face coverings do not completely replace social distancing measures, the CDC says that these coverings help slow the spread of the virus and function as a voluntary public health measure.

How to make a face mask at home in 3 different ways

Materials

  • 2 cotton rectangles of 25 x 15 cm (can be from a t-shirt)
  • 2 elastic bands of 15 cm
  • Needle and thread
  • Scissors
  • Step by Step

    Stack the rectangles one on top of the other, you are going to sew the two layers of fabric together so that it is as one piece (just like a face mask). Then fold the edges of the mask 1 cm and place the ribbons that will be your ear flaps and then sew those edges.

    CDC

    Materials

  • T shirt
  • Scissors
  • Step by Step

    Cut the bottom of the shirt as shown in the illustration. Then measure about 8 cm from one side of the fabric to shape the ear flaps with a rectangle. At the end, make a cut in the straps that remain for the head and tie your mask with that.

    CDC

    Materials

  • 60 x 60cm handkerchief or bandana
  • Coffee filter
  • hair bands
  • Scissors
  • Needle and thread
  • Step by Step

    Cut coffee filter in half widthwise; you will use the upper part. Fold your handkerchief in half and place the filter in the middle. Then place the elastic bands inside the scarf and close it at the back, sew and you’re done.

    CDC

    Keep reading: The most unexpected or ridiculous ways to protect yourself against the coronavirus

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