In the MPDN post yesterday, CDC recommends wearing a cloth face cover in public, I gave a link to CDC instructions for making a cloth face covering from a cotton T-shirt, along with a couple links to videos, etc. The CDC has added additional instructions which can be viewed online or downloaded as a .pdf. These instructions demonstrate how to construct three types of face coverings:
- Sewn Face Covering from fabric
- Quick Cut T-shirt Face Covering (no sew method)
- Bandanna Face Covering (no sew method)
To put on a face covering, grip the cover by the draw strings or elastic material used over the ears. It is okay to adjust to tightness around the nose, but try not to touch the material through which you will breathe. In general, try to limit touching the mask while wearing, and if you do so, use clean hands. Please keep in mind that any cloth face cover should be washed regularly, depending on use. It follows then that any material you select should be capable of being laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.
The CDC notes “individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.”
There are many other sites that show instructions as well. I am not sure all are equal and would generally treat the CDC instructions as the standard, especially where safety features such as material and thickness are concerned. An article in The New York Times also included instructions for a simple cloth face cover. If I see any more interesting articles on this topic in the coming days I might add an addendum to this one.
Remember, the purpose of wearing a face cover in public is to limit the spread of the virus. Do your part, cover your face. We in the hospital and clinic have been masking for every patient encounter to protect you. Now, we all need to cover our faces in public for the time being.
Finally, I will say it again, wearing a cloth cover does not mean you should stand closer than 6 feet with other people. Keep doing that. Let’s crush the curve.
