Now that the CDC is ??? ?? ????recommending we all wear cloth face masks in public, you may be wondering how exactly you can use what you have on hand to get out on public and keep others safe.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, people are uploading helpful videos on YouTube to show everyone how to make their own masks at home. Whether you're showing COVID-19 symptoms or not, you could be infected with the virus and be spreading it to others without knowing. That's where the masks come in. Covering your face can help slow the spread of the virus by protecting people around you from breathing in your germs.
While you can still buy masks online, it's also quite easy to craft your own basic version. We've compiled the best videos to help you make a mask at home and slow the spread of this deadly virus.
Put your bandanas to use
This video shows you how to make a mask with just a bandana and two hair ties. By folding up the bandana properly, you can make a face covering that fits snuggly over your mouth and nose and keep it up with two hair ties that wrap around your ears.
The CDC-approved version
The CDC's video, starring U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams, takes a similar approach but shows how you can use a towel or part of a T-shirt with two rubber bands to make a competent face mask. It takes under a minute to achieve.
A more advanced mask
This tutorial from JOANN Fabric and Craft is a much more involved process and requires some materials that many people don't have readily available in their homes, but it sure makes a nice-looking mask if you can find everything you need. Their process involves elastic straps, ironing, and some light sewing to make a comfortable face covering.
The most comfortable mask
If you're really feeling creative and have the right materials, this tutorial will show you how to create a fitted face mask with a printable pattern. If you have a sewing machine, plenty of materials (including some wire), and lots of time, this will probably give you the most comfortable face mask possible from home.
Play it safe
No matter which option you choose, keep in mind that the masks you can make at home are not on the same level as medical-grade surgical masks or N-95 respirators. But cloth masks will help you to not spread your germs around to other people in public places. By making a mask at home instead of buying a medical mask, you'll free up those more effective masks for medical professionals who are putting their own health at risk to help people who are most affected by the coronavirus.
And just because you have a mask doesn't mean you don't have to worry about social distancing. For everyone's safety, stay home whenever possible and make sure you maintain a six-foot distance from people you see out in the world.