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  • How to Make Your Own Face Coverings

    Apr 6, 2020 9:15 am by jjun27@uic.edu
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    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) continues to study the spread and effects of the novel coronavirus across the United States. We now know that a significant portion of individuals with COVID-10 lack of symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before symptoms appear. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even people are not exhibiting symptoms. In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings 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.

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    It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slow the spread of the virus. Additionally, CDC is advising 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. 

    CDC on Homemade Cloth Face Coverings

    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. 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.

    Bandana Face Covering (no-sew method)

    Materials

    • Bandana (or square cotton cloth approximately 20”x20”)
      • To test the effectiveness of the fabric you are trying to use put it over you mouth and hold a candle in front of you. If the candle goes out that means air can leave the mask, therefore air can come in, try using a different fabric. 
    • Rubber bands (or hair ties)
    • Scissors (if you are cutting your own cloth)
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    Let's make cloth face coverings and protect your body from the virus!