How To Make, Use Cloth Face Masks To Help Slow The Spread Of COVID-19
NC Governor Roy Cooper and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommend wearing cloth face masks in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission, such as the African American community.
CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face-covering without assistance.
The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.
How to Wear Cloth Face Coverings
Cloth face coverings should—
- fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the 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
Should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise cleaned regularly? How regularly?
Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.
How does one safely sterilize/clean a cloth face covering?
A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a cloth face covering.
How does one safely remove a used cloth face covering?
Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their cloth face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.
Area creatives and entrepreneurs are making designer cloth face coverings for those who desire to be fashionable and showcase their brand while being safe. Mark Taylor of Mark Taylor Designz (pictured left) is one designer making coverings for adults and children (right). He can be reached at (919) 339-1082 or on IG @marktaylordesignz for more information or to place an order. There is currently a 7-10 day turnaround due to high demand.
Can’t wait that long or you need a mask while you wait for your order…
How to make a mask from home
