Coronavirus Outbreak: How To Make Face Masks At Home?

The coronavirus outbreak that began in Wuhan, China has spread all across the world. While the cases of the viral infection are reported to reduce in China, new cases are springing up in other countries. According to WHO, more than 8,23,626 people have been infected with the virus, and around 40,598 people have lost their lives due to this disease. 

India has reported 4636 cases of the coronavirus infection. In such a case, prevention is of utmost importance and experts have recommended handwashing, wearing a face mask and social distancing are the most effective ways to stay safe. However, many pharmacies ran out of face masks. So, the Ministry of Health recommended people to wear homemade face masks, especially if they are experiencing any symptoms of the disease like sneezing and coughing or going out. But are handmade masks effective?

Image Courtesy: nyt.com

According to WHO, homemade masks provide 70% protection from the virus and are not effective for healthcare workers, family members providing care to positive COVID-19 patients, and COVID-19 patients who have been tested positive. 

So, how you can make your own face mask at home?

Method 1: Using A Piece Of Cloth

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

😷 NO SEW DIY FACE MASK 😷 ⠀ ⠀ Its proven that face masks can help prevent the virus from spreading 🦠 ⠀ ⠀ While this may not be as effective as the recommended face masks its better than nothing. Hopefully this can give you some inspiration with items you may gave lying around the house.⠀ ⠀ All you need:⠀ • a bandana ⠀ • 2 hair ties

A post shared by Grace Bruce (@grace8ruce) onApr 6, 2020 at 11:13am PDT

• Take a square piece of cloth or a bandana and fold it into a rectangle of almost 3 inches in width.
• Next, put elastic bands on both sides of the cloth.
• Now, fold the outer sides towards the centre and stretch it on both sides and your mask is ready!

Method 2: Using 2 Pieces Of Cloth

A few hours ago, Hina Khan shared this method on her Instagram handle. In the video, the actress shared the detailed process of stitching a good, new and reusable mask to keep Coronavirus at bay. 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

So here is my attempt to teach some simple measures of how to make a mask at home. I tried to make the process and the masks, both as interesting as possible for you guys and hope it will encourage a lot of you to make one for yourself. #WeAreInThisTogether #LetsFightCovid19

A post shared by HK (@realhinakhan) onApr 7, 2020 at 9:36am PDT

• Take 2 pieces of cloth of equal sizes. 
• Using needle and thread, stitch their 2 sides together. 
• You should now have a rectangle that is stitched from 2 sides, forming a loop. Flip it inside out and iron it properly. Create 3-4 pleats with the help of it.
• Stich the remaining sides and attach the strips used for tying the mask at the top and bottom of the mask.

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Important Reminders:

The homemade masks can only be worn by healthy people, not by healthcare workers, family members providing care to positive COVID-19 patients, and COVID-19 patients who have been tested positive.

Wash your mask using hot water, regular detergent or soap and disinfectant. Do not put it in the dryer.

Always remove your mask by taking the straps from the back of your head and pulling it forward

Wear your mask in the same orientation each time you use it.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching your mask.

Disclaimer: All content, including tips and suggestions, is entirely based on research and data available on the internet. So, it is advised to not to construe it as professional medical advice and consult a doctor before adopting any tips.

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