With all the issues of the Coronavirus pandemic, running out of supplies seems to be in the forefront of the news. The situation is expected to become much worse in the coming months. Makers can help alleviate the problem:"In settings where facemasks are not available, HCP might use homemade masks (e.g., bandana, scarf) for care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort. However, homemade masks are not considered PPE, since their capability to protect HCP is unknown. Caution should be exercised when considering this option. Homemade masks should ideally be used in combination with a face shield that covers the entire front (that extends to the chin or below) and sides of the face.” Forbes
It occurred to me that if medical personnel are having trouble finding masks, ordinary citizens are also. But there's a difference. People who have compromised immune systems are staying home. Their masks are for added protection and they are not coming in contact with the virus. If these people use the handmade masks, it frees up available masks for those directly treating Coronavirus patients.
At the very least, it provides some protection for those who are unable to get masks at all.
And here's the good news: the masks are easy to make and do not take much in the way of supplies: fabric and elastic.
Here are a few tutorials on how to make the masks:
I am amazed by the number of people making masks in the states. It is wonderful to see.
ReplyDeleteSo far we have not been asked to do the same here. Will wait and see.