Wearing a face mask will prevent you from spreading coronavirus even if you don't know you have it. Here is a video explaining how this has worked in other countries.
If you have masks, donate them..
Health care workers need real Filtration, Respiratory (N95, P95, R95), and surgical masks, so if you have some, please donate them. Find out how at https://www.mask-match.com/
If you don't, make some!
For the rest of us who aren't healthcare workers, homemade cloth face masks can help alleviate transmission of germs in general and remind us not to touch our face. When everyone wears masks, those of us who may be infected with the virus but don't show symptoms (asymptomatic) can contain our droplets and lessen the risk of infecting others. If everyone did that, we could make a big difference in transmission. And when healthcare workers need to protect their medical masks, a cloth mask can help extend its use.
Anyone with basic sewing skills, some 100% cotton cloth (sheets, t-shirts, etc.), and a sewing machine (or time for hand-sewing) can make a face mask. Make masks for your own use, or donate to others. #medicalmaskforce #millionmaskchallenge
Dr. Lauren Streicher has made a great how-to with patterns, instructions and a how-to video. how to are some face masks you can make at home:
See some of the finished masks like those above on her blog and be sure to read the comments for other useful ideas.
Another pattern is from Kathleen Richert Costumes and Clothing:
Lastly, if you are a maker with materials and equipment for 3D printing, CNC Manufacturing, Rapid Prototyping, Injection molding and Laser Printing, Sewing and Textile work, there are things you can make as well. Learn more at #GetUsPPE.org/makers.
