There are many ways to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The best way to prevent sickness is to avoid exposure to COVID-19, according to the CDC website. Social isolation, hand-washing and avoiding facial-touching are all recommended by the CDC, too. But one method that seems like an obvious solution is actually not: masks.
In an interview with NPR on Monday, CDC Director Robert Redfield said that the CDC is reevaluating the data surrounding mask use by the general public.
The face mask that prevents getting the virus is an N95 filtering facepiece respirator, according to the CDC’s FAQ regarding the coronavirus. Standard N95 respirators are capable of filtering bacteria and viruses. However, the CDC recommends only healthcare personnel use N95 respirators.
N95 respirators are not the same as surgical masks, which is what many may think of when thinking of medical face masks. N95 respirators have different makes, purposes and fits, according to an infographic by the CDC.
Coral Wedel, owner and operator of Coral Marie Studio Shop, 4367 OH-681 N., Albany, Ohio, said she is making homemade masks for those still working as essential personnel: grocery store workers, public school employees who are delivering lunches, those working in elder care, midwives, postal workers, operating engineers and more.
As a fashion designer, Wedel saw she had the tools and skillset to make homemade, makeshift masks.
“It’s something I can do here from home to be of help for my family and essential personnel,” Wedel said.
After watching several tutorials and gathering information, Wedel made her own pattern based on several sources. Wedel has uploaded her pattern for free download on her website.
She recognizes that the masks are not an adequate replacement for N95 respirators, but it’s the least she can do in a time like this. The masks, which she uses from the supplies she has on-hand, are made from 100% organic cotton, double-layered with one filter pocket, made from HEMA 3M furnace filters. Wedel also adds a steel wire to create a casting around the nose.
“I’ve put out 80 so far and have about 100 coming up,” Wedel said.
For Wedel, making homemade masks speaks to a larger theme of what’s going on in the world right now. It’s a matter of making do, she explained.
“It’s a moment where we do the best (with) what we can with what we have,” Wedel said. “I think we do that well as Ohioans, especially in southeast Ohio.”
The Athens-City County Health Department, 278 W. Union. St, does not offer guidance on mask construction, Jack Pepper, an administrator at the health department, said in an email.
“Guidance could be offered by the organization who will be receiving the masks,” Pepper wrote.
Pepper noted that according to the CDC, homemade masks are not considered PPE, or personal protective equipment. Caution should be exercised when using homemade protection equipment.
With ongoing PPE shortages, Pepper also mentioned the health department has received very few formal requests for PPE.
“Stay home, be safe and follow the orders of the governor and the director of the Ohio Department of Health,” Pepper wrote.
Nellie Werger is also someone who is making homemade masks. As a costume designer, she said not only does she have a lot of scrap fabric on hand, but also free time.
“As soon as there came a need for it and I got some specifications as to what was useful, (I started making masks),” Werger said.
Werger started making masks for people she knew needed them, she said.
“I have been trying to make sure all my friends and neighbors and everybody who has to go to the grocery store, (has one)” she said. “(I’ve) done 16-17 so far ... If I have extras I'll probably take them to nursing homes and facilities ... I've had a couple of other friends in the nursing profession in home health and nursing homes and retirement and they say they have nothing because everything is going to hospitals.”
Like Wedel, Werger has made her own mask pattern as well. She makes two-layer masks with a filtration pocket. She also uses supplies she has nearby, like t-shirts. She makes her masks out of 100% cotton as well.
“(I’m) trying not to buy anything, a) because that’s hard to get and b) because I’ve been upcycling and recycling for years now and try not to use commercially new-made fabric,” Werger said. “It’s environmentally irresponsible.”
Werger recommends people raid their linen closet if they want to make their own masks. Werger said she can make seven masks out of two pillowcases.
“Use what you have,” Werger said. “If people really start looking at what they have, they can capitalize on that.”
Werger stressed that homemade masks aren’t going to protect people from the virus coming in, but rather, the virus getting out. Werger also said that masks also may make people less likely to touch their face with unwashed hands.
“If everyone protects everyone else, they too will be protected,” Werger said.
