As the coronavirus pandemic continues, we are still left wondering if wearing a face mask is the right thing to do. With so much conflicting information around there is no strict guidance on the subject. Here in the UK our Government are NOT recommending Face Masks, although there is now a shift in their advice as masks will be mandatory on public transport from Jun 15th. In Ireland they suggest a face mask may be a good way to go. In America however, we’re learning that any mask is better than no mask, and it may be time for healthy people to start wearing them. Take a look at this report for more – CAMBRIDGE

The latest advice out of Wales says this.

“Public Health Wales welcomes Welsh Government’s announcement that they are following updated advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommending people in Wales wear three-layer face coverings in situations where social distancing of two metres is not possible or challenging, such as on public transport.

“The evidence remains clear that maintaining a two-metre distance, good hand hygiene and hygiene when coughing and sneezing  is the most effective way to protect yourself and others from contracting Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), but the updated guidance from the WHO says three-layer face coverings, if worn correctly, could help provide some control of the virus in specific circumstances.”

“The WHO recommends a minimum of three layers in a face covering, which should include:

• An inner layer of absorbent material, such as cotton
• A middle layer of non-woven material, such as polypropylene
• An outer layer of non-absorbent material, such as polyester or polyester-blend

“The wearing of face coverings is not mandatory, but Public Health Wales encourages people to do this for the benefit of themselves and others.

“This updated advice only applies to people who are not showing symptoms of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). People who are symptomatic must self-isolate for seven days and get a test, as set out in existing guidance. Unless the test shows a negative result, they must not go out during this time, even with a face covering or mask.”

We published this page two months ago now with the implication that wearing a mask is certainly not going to do any harm. Like many Americans, though, finding a face mask in South Wales is proving difficult, at least one that we’re not going to pay through the roof for. So we’re going to show you how to make your own.

At the bottom of the page we’ve added a video on how to tackle a KIDS FACE MASK. With them, we reckon the key is fun and personal.

But first, let’s come back to the subject of “should I wear a mask or not.”

From the moment this outbreak began the Centre For Disease Control and Prevention in the States have been adamant in their advice: Protective masks are not necessary for healthy people who don’t work in the healthcare sector and are not taking care of an infected person at home.

Now, however, people are starting to question their position on masks as the death toll grows.

On Tuesday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CNN that the White House coronavirus task force is considering recommending community-wide use of masks.

“Mitigation is the answer.”

Donald Trump said…….

“We are making millions of masks, but we want them to go to the hospitals. We don’t want people competing with hospitals.”

Just this week Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti urged everyone to wear homemade face masks when performing essential tasks such as grocery shopping and California public health officials said the use of cloth face coverings could reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

Dr. Sonia Angell, Director of the California Department of Public Health said……

“Face coverings are not a substitute for physical distancing or frequent hand washing, which we know are amongst the most effective ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Wearing a cloth face covering could provide some additional benefit by acting as a reminder for other people to keep their distance, and it could help reduce the spread of infectious particles from those who could be infected but don’t have symptoms.”

On Friday, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidelines recommending the public voluntarily wear cloth masks in public.

“The transmission from individuals without symptoms is playing a more significant role in the spread of the virus than previously understood,” President Trump said when announcing the guidelines at a White House briefing. “So you don’t seem to have symptoms and it still gets transferred.”

Of course no one wants to compete with hospitals that desperately need masks, in fact, a grassroots movement of crafters, designers and manufacturers like Ikea is working to supply hospitals with them. So perhaps, like America, now it’s time to DIY.

The team here have often been reminded when were out shopping that distancing is important. Seeing someone with a face mask is a stark reminder of this and perhaps the warning we all need to ‘keep our distance.’ So, how do we make them and will they be effective in any way, other than a deterrent to others?

St Joseph’s Health in America have launched a 100 million mask challenge, so here is what they are doing to aid that campaign. Firstly, how do you go about making one……..

Here’s the pattern you’ll need…….

As for the instructions. They are quite detailed and you can see them here. MASK

Deaconess Health in America are also encouraging the making of Face Masks with this instructional video.

We’ve done some research on this subject and it seems Smart Air have information on what is the best material to use if you are going to make a face mask. You can read their findings here. MATERIALS

whether you chose to wrap a scarf around your face wear a face mask, home made or otherwise, the simple fact is, it’s your choice. If it gives you comfort and acts as another element of protection, then no one is in a position to question that. We hope this information has been helpful. Finally, remember this: Clean materials, clean hands and clean workspaces!

We have just been sent these. They are incredibly simple and definitely fall into the ‘something is better than nothing’ category.

Here is a short video on how to make a Kid’s Face Mask……