Message from CDC:
CDC is now recommending that you wear face coverings any time you go in public settings. This recommendation has been put forth to help slow the spread of the virus and help those who may be infected but are unaware from transmitting it to others.
The cloth face coverings that are recommended by the CDC are not surgical or N95 masks. Those are critical supplies that must be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.
Cloth dace coverings should not be placed on younger children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise un able to remove the mask without assistance.
How to properly wear a cloth face covering
Your cloth face covering should:
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of your face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops
- Include multiple layers of fabric
- Allow for breathing without restriction
- Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
How do you safely remove a used cloth face covering?
Remove mask carefully without touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Wash hands immediately after removing.
Should cloth face coverings be washed and cleaned regularly?
Yes.
How do you safely sterilize a cloth face covering?
Machine was will sufficiently sterilize a cloth face covering.
How to make a face mask:
Option 1:
Materials
- Bandana (or cloth approximately 20"x20")
- Coffee filter
- Rubber bands (or hair ties)
- Scissors
Option 2:
Materials
- T-shirt
- Scissors
Option 3:
Materials
- Two 10"x16" rectangles of fabric
- Two 6" pieces of elastic (or rubber bands, string, cloth strips or hair ties)
- Needle and thread (or bobby pin)
- Scissors
- Sewing Machine
1. Cut two 10-by-6-inch rectangles of cotton fabric. Use tightly woven cotton, such as quilting fabric or cotton sheets. T-shirt fabric will work in a pinch. Stack the two rectangles; you will sew the mask as if it was a single piece of fabric.
2. Fold over the long sides ¼ inch and hem. Then fold the double layer of fabric over ½ inch along the short sides and stitch down.
3. Run a 6-inch length of 1/8-inch wide elastic through the wider hem on each side of the mask. These will be the ear loops. Use a large needle or a bobby pin to thread it through. Tie the ends tight. Don’t have elastic? Use hair ties or elastic head bands. If you only have string, you can make the ties longer and tie the mask behind your head.
4. Gently pull on the elastic so that the knots are tucked inside the hem. Gather the sides of the mask on the elastic and adjust so the mask fits your face. Then securely stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping.
