Coroanvirus Protection: How To Make A Cloth Face Mask

COLUMBUS, OH —Ohio officials are mandating many employees wear cloth masks when they return to work. The recommendation comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said cloth masks could help slow the spread of the new coronavirus in crowded areas.

"In many cultures around the world, wearing a mask is just part of the culture - it is a socially accepted act of kindness," said Gov. Mike DeWine. "Wearing a mask should not scare people. It is a good thing. It is a considerate thing. It is a courageous thing."

To be clear, wearing a cloth mask will not prevent a person from contracting COVID-19, state officials said. However, the mask could prevent an infected person from spreading the virus to others.

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Medical supply masks, like the much talked about N95 respirator, should be preserved for health care workers.

How to Make a Cloth Mask

The CDC shared tips on how to make a sewn-together cloth face cover.

• Cut two 10 inch by 6 inch rectangles from cotton fabric
• Try to use tightly woven cotton (ie quilting fabric)
• Stack the two rectangles — you're going to sew the mask as it were one piece of fabric
• Fold the long sides .25 inch and hem
• Fold the double layer of fabric over .5 inch along the short sides and then stitch down
• Run a 6 inch length of elastic through the wider hem on each side of the mask
• These will be the ear loops you use to secure the mask around your face
• If you don't have elastic, try using a hair tie or elastic hair band
• Use a large needle or bobby pin to thread the elastic
• Tie the ends tight
• Pull the elastic so the knots tuck inside the hem
• Gather the mask around your face and make sure it snugly cover your nose and mouth
• Stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping

More instruction on how to make a cloth face mask can be found on the CDC's website.

How to Wear a Cloth Mask

According to the CDC, a cloth mask should:

• Fit tightly around one's face
• Be secured with loops around the ears, or ties on the back of the head
• Include multiple layers of fabric
• Allow for breathing (don't restrict your own breathing!)
• Be laundry washable