For the most up-to-date news and information about the Covid-19 pandemic, visit the MOH website.
If your company is planning to reopen businesses, it’s likely they’ll require you to wear a mask in order to help prevent the spread of the virus. It’s best if you have a 3-ply surgical mask but if you don’t, it’s time to start making your homemade face masks. Keep in mind: Homemade face masks may not be able to block our every particle and are not guaranteed to keep you from acquiring the Coronavirus, but they can help in some circumstances. At least, it may block large particles ejected from sneezing and coughing.
Consequently, no-sew homemade face masks with easy-to-get fabric at home are an essential item during the COVID-19 pandemic especially when the surgical mask is limited. To start, you will need to prepare a bandana/ tightly knit cotton material (should be big enough to fold several times) and ties.
How To DIY Face Mask Without Sewing Machine
Here’s the step-by-step guides from Dr Sanjay for making a no-sew face mask at home without having to buy new supplies:
- Lay out a bandana/ cotton fabric.
- Fold the top and bottom in towards the center.
- Fold the sides in towards the center, placing two (2) ties (e.g. rubber bands/ hair ties) at the folded creases.
- Tuck one end of the fabric into the other.
- Lift the mask to your face and loop ties over each ear.
- Adjust as needed, making sure your mouth and nose are completely covered.
Check out the video above of Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s quick and easy tutorial.
How To Wear?
Masks are only effective if you wear them properly. The World Health Organization has the how-to. Before putting on a mask, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, rub your hands together thoroughly with alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
When putting it on:
- Hold the ties while securing it to your face.
- Avoid touching the mask while you’re out — this can contaminate it.
- Making sure it fits snugly.
When taking it off:
- Wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
- Untie it from the back — don’t touch the front of it.
- Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
- Drop the mask into the washing machine so it’s clean the next time you need it.
- Wash your hands immediately after you’ve taken it off, and again after you’ve washed the mask.
How To Clean?
You should launder the masks before and after each use to clean off any germs you might have picked up in public. Hand wash the masks or put them in a mesh wash bag in the washing machine so they don’t fall apart, and use a high heat setting.
Additional Safety Tips
Besides wearing a face mask, you’re strongly advised to:
- Wash your hands regularly using soap and water, and wash them for at least you sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice. Hand sanitizer is acceptable if you are unable to wash your hands.
- Cover your mouth when coughing with a tissue or the inner-elbow.
- Avoid touching your face/ mouth, because you could transmit the viruses from your hands into your mouth.
- Practise social distancing (keeping each other safe and connected is everyone’s responsibility.)
- Stay at home, except for essential trips (e.g.: grocery shopping, consult a doctor.)
