Residents of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland are now advised to wear masks in shops and on public transport. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, the mandatory “mask regime” will go into effect on Tuesday. Medical masks and respirators are difficult to obtain in many countries – they are necessary for healthcare workers. In Russia, prices for a set of masks and gloves are low, but a medical mask may still not be available when needed. We have compiled step-by-step instructions for making masks from available materials. No matter how skilled you are with a sewing machine or how much time you have, the basic rules for making a mask remain the same: the more layers of material, the better; the mask should fit tightly to the face and allow you to breathe easily. Research shows that the best materials for a mask are dense cotton, calico (or twill), natural silk, or quilted cotton. However, anything you can find at home will do. Let’s start with an easy option.
The UK government recommends washing or disinfecting hands before putting on or removing a mask. Also, don’t forget: The next option for a homemade mask is an old T-shirt. It is preferable to use a T-shirt made of thick cotton or with a small amount of synthetic material. No sewing is required at this point.
The UK government warns that wearing a mask does not reduce the likelihood of being infected with the coronavirus, but if you are sick without symptoms, wearing a mask will help reduce the risk of spreading the virus to those around you. Whichever mask you choose, do not forget to follow the rest of the quarantine rules. Hygiene is still very important. Try to wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds when you return home. To make the third version of the mask, you will need to sew two pieces of fabric together. Try to sew the mask securely enough to withstand several machine washings.
There are many ways to make a cloth mask. From professional designer masks to cut up socks, there are instructions for every taste on social media. Try different options. You will probably need more than one mask as they will need to be washed. A mask is not recommended for children under two years of age.
We explain quickly, simply, and clearly what happened, why it matters, and what’s next. Episodes The end of the story: Promotional Podcasts I spent all of last week in Spain, where almost everyone wears a mask. How did I feel? At first it seemed uncomfortable. It was harder to breathe because of the mask. The face itches, sometimes it is almost impossible to breathe through the nose, and the mouth becomes dry. Sometimes I wear glasses and they fog up when I wear a mask. Putting on and taking off a mask is also an art. It must be done carefully in case you accidentally touch an infected surface. It is very difficult to understand people’s moods when they wear masks because their faces are not visible, and it is through facial expressions that we read the mood of our interlocutors or simply passersby. Sometimes it’s just hard to hear what others are saying, and you start talking louder yourself. By the way, this makes the job of a journalist difficult: how do you interview someone in such conditions, especially not in their native language? But it’s amazing how quickly you get used to it all. You forget that there’s a mask on your face. And even though it’s very strange at first that everyone around you is covering their faces, you get used to it, too.