The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that you wear a cloth mask or cloth face covering in public settings to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The problem is that it’s virtually impossible to find any masks now and materials such as the elastic needed to make them are becoming harder to come by. Since the surgical N-95 respirator masks are considered critical supplies, they are being reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.
But don’t worry, you can still make a cloth mask using things already in your home.
The CDC recommends that cloth masks fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, be secured with ties or ear loops, include multiple layers of fabric, allow for breathing without restriction and be able to be washed and machine dried. It doesn’t recommend using coverings on children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance.
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams created a quick instructional video demonstrating how to make a simple mask covering. All you need is cloth material like a scarf, face cloth or old t-shirt, scissors and two rubber bands.
Check out Dr. Adams' DIY mask creation video below:
Here are two more DIY mask tutorials that the CDC recommends. Neither requires sewing.
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Quick Cut T-shirt Face Covering
Materials
- T-shirt
- Scissors
Instructions
Bandana Face Covering
Materials
- Bandana (or square cotton cloth approximately 20”x20”)
- Coffee filter
- Rubber bands (or hair ties)
- Scissors (if you are cutting your own cloth)
Instructions
For more information on creating a DIY cloth face mask or general questions about the coronavirus, visit cdc.gov.
