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Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

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Overview and CDC Recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores and pharmacies. This is especially important in areas with significant community-based transmission.

  • Purpose: To slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus but do not know it from transmitting it to others.
  • Availability: These coverings are intended as an additional, voluntary public health measure using household items or common materials at low cost.
  • Exclusions: Cloth face coverings should not be placed on:
    • Young children under age 2.
    • Anyone who has trouble breathing.
    • Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the covering without assistance.
  • Not for Healthcare Workers: These are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those critical supplies must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and medical first responders.

How to Wear Cloth Face Coverings

To be effective, cloth face coverings should meet the following criteria:

  • 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.

Maintenance and Safety

  • Cleaning: Yes, they should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use. A washing machine is sufficient for proper cleaning.
  • Removal: Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing the covering. Hands must be washed immediately after removal.

DIY Sewn Cloth Face Covering Tutorial

Materials:

  • Two 10"x6" rectangles of cotton fabric (tightly woven cotton like quilting fabric or sheets is best; T-shirt fabric works in a pinch).
  • Two 6" pieces of elastic (or rubber bands, string, cloth strips, or hair ties).
  • Needle and thread (or bobby pin), scissors, and a sewing machine.

Instructions:

  1. Cut Fabric: Cut two 10-by-6-inch rectangles. Stack them and sew as if they were a single piece of fabric.
  2. Hem: Fold over the long sides ¼ inch and hem. Then fold the double layer of fabric over ½ inch along the short sides and stitch down to create a channel.
  3. Insert Elastic: Run a 6-inch length of 1/8-inch wide elastic through the wider hem on each side to create ear loops. Tie the ends tight. (If using string, make ties longer and tie behind the head).
  4. Finish: Tuck knots inside the hem, gather the sides on the elastic to fit your face, and securely stitch the elastic in place.

DIY Quick Cut T-shirt Cloth Face Covering (No Sew)

Materials:

  • T-shirt
  • Scissors

Instructions:

  1. Cut a 7–8 inch section from the bottom of the T-shirt.
  2. Cut out a 6–7 inch rectangle from that section.
  3. Cut tie strings on the sides of the rectangle. Tie strings around the neck and over the top of the head to secure.

DIY Bandana Cloth Face Covering (No Sew)

Materials:

  • Bandana or square cotton cloth (approx. 20"x20")
  • Coffee filter
  • Rubber bands (or hair ties)
  • Scissors

Instructions:

  1. Cut the coffee filter to size.
  2. Fold the bandana in half.
  3. Place the coffee filter in the center of the folded bandana. Fold the top down and bottom up over the filter.
  4. Place rubber bands or hair ties about 6 inches apart on the outside of the folded cloth.
  5. Fold the sides to the middle and tuck them in.
  6. The result is a mask with ear loops ready to wear.

Source: cdc. gov/coronavirus

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