I was dumbfounded when WHO advised against wearing a face mask if one is not unwell. I know the rationale. You know, the global shortage of mask and all that. But seriously, a mask, regardless of the effectiveness, is better than no protection at all. It was an ill advice, pardon my pun, since novel coronavirus is known to transmit even when the infected person is asymptomatic.
Now that, WHO and CDC have both changed their tunes (finally!) and recommends that everyone to wear one, you can do so by making a mask for yourself, so as not take away the valuable resources from the frontliners.
Previously, we have saw a doctor explains how to make the safest face mask using a HEPA filter vacuum bag, but lets be real, how many of us geeks know how to sew? Not many I would say and so, enters hospital epidemiologist Dr. Christian G. Schrock, MD.
Dr. Schrock has designed a face mask that simulates surgical mask that requires zero sewing. There is no stapling or gluing required either. This no-sew face mask can be made using materials you already have and in around 10 minutes.
Interested (well, you really should!)? Have a look at the video below to learn how. Jump to 2:34 for the actual meat. You can also hit up maskbuilders.com for the step-by-step instructions if video isn’t your thing.
The best part about this mask is, unlike the homemade HEPA filter variety, it is totally reusable. All you need is place it in a boiling water (less the safety pin, I would imagine) for 5 minutes. Remember to kill the heat first and remove the mask with a tongs or similar before retrieving it from the super hot water.
Before you go, please be reminded that a mask does not offer 100 percent protection, DIY or not. So do not be lulled into a false of security (like, duh, why would anyone???).
In addition to masks, social distancing should be practiced and also, wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds each time, and avoid touching your face because, that’s one way germs and viruses can get to us. Stay safe and keep hydrated.
Images: Maskbuilders.com/YouTube (Lipotein a Center & Research Institute).
Source: MarketWatch.
