Across the globe, many people are finding creative ways to make face masks. Some are definitely more effective than others. With health care workers facing a shortage of masks I think it is super important that people continue to find ways to make their own rather than feeding into the shortage.While homemade options are not as effective experts say they do still help. A 2013 study found that homemade masks were 1/3 as effective as surgical masks in stopping the spread of influenza. They do not, however, know exactly how effective they are at stopping a virus.
Joyce Fulton, a registered nurse has been organizing people to produce homemade masks. Fulton hopes this could free up the supply of surgical masks. Many different materials can be used to make a mask. Experts say layers are important and the mask should be snug around the mouth and nose so air particles cannot get in. There are many free patterns online for how to make masks and stores like JoAnn fabrics are giving away free precut materials. There are also no-sew options. A study in 2006 was done for this exact situation. They looked for ways to make masks if a shortage we ever to happen in the face of a viral outbreak.Here are the steps Annie Cook used to make masks for 120 of her neighbors.
1. Start with two rectangles of fabric, 12 inches by 6 inches (or 11 inches by 5 inches for a smaller head).
2. Sew the layers together, then sew the bottom edge closed.
3. Fold over one side edge, and start sewing the fabric so that the elastic band or hair tie is inside the fold.
4. Once you've started it, pull the elastic taut and sew down the rest of the fold.
5. Repeat on the other side.
6. Be sure to backstitch (sew over multiple times) at the beginning and end of the seam, since the elastic will be pulling at those spots.
Do you feel a need to have a mask?
https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-make-an-effective-face-mask-at-home-2020-3
I think this is very smart because most materials we probably already have at home. I know my mom has already started to collect materials to make our own masks. It is not a super difficult thing to do and I know most people resort to buying things instead of making them theirselves. However, in this situation it is important that people do everything in their power to help out the rest of our country. The possibility of running out of masks is a serious problem that could hurt us later.
ReplyDeletei think it is very important for people to get creative and make their own masks and protective gear to try to stop the spread of the virus. During a time like this, it is no surprise that there has been a shortage in masks especially since the coronavirus is still new to us. If people are still going grocery shopping, exercising, and working it will help a lot for people to be resourceful and mindful of others by making and wearing these masks if they don't have access to real ones.
ReplyDeleteHaving the ability to make a mask individually could be considered a quality of survival, as this allows many to prevent the potential receiving of this deadly virus. With people learning to make these masks at home they may also save themselves a trip to the pharmacy or grocery store which could have caused the spread or receiving of COVID-19. During this time we must learn to be resourceful and make the best use of what we have.
ReplyDeleteMy cousin put her sewing skills to use and made tons of masks and distributed them to hospitals in her city and to family/friends. Like you mentioned, it is not as efficient, however when going out whether to grocery shop or go for a walk, it is needed to wear some sort of protection. Like Amir mentioned, during this precedent time we need to use the resources we have at home.
ReplyDeleteBeing able to create your own face masks help you have something to do during the shut down and it also shows that mundane things at home can be muli-purpose. Some of the materials and as you have mentioned they aren't as helpful but you still have something.
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