The HSE advises that wearing a mask is unlikely to be of any benefit if you are not sick, however the governor of New York Andrew Cuomo has asked people to wear masks in public when a safe distance from others cannot be maintained, such as on public transport.
The HSE advises that wearing a mask is unlikely to be of any benefit if you are not sick, however the governor of New York Andrew Cuomo has asked people to wear masks in public when a safe distance from others cannot be maintained, such as on public transport.
In response to a query from Irish Country Living, the HSE press office replied: “The HSE is very grateful to members of the community who have offered their time and skills to support the work to control COVID-19. At present the HSE procurement has a supply of disposable surgical masks. These are preferred to cloth masks and so there are no immediate plans to use cloth masks in the healthcare setting.”
The HSE does give advice on its website on the correct way to put on and take off masks. Although this advice is for single-use masks, many people are now making cloth masks and proper etiquette should also be observed when handling any mask that could be contaminated.
Many people are donating cloth masks to those working in private nursing homes; or if you just want to make your own protective cotton facemask, here are some instructions:
Protective face mask with opening for filterWhat you need
¼ yard 45in wide fabric (100% cotton close weave) – to make 3 x 10in x 8in cotton pieces of fabric (one for exterior and two for interior).45in cord (shoelaces work also). 4in soft pliable wire (for nose area).ThreadInstructions
1 Fold over the two lining pieces to meet on the long sides.
2 Iron on fold.
3 Open out and measure 2” from each side-stitching down to your 2” mark, leaving the centre free from stitching.
4 Pull back the two pieces to reveal the centre opening.
5 Press.
6 Sew down along the line of the opening as this secures the stitching to prevent ripping the fabric when inserting the filter.
7 Right sides together, stitch the lining and main fabric all around (width of foot on machine).
8 Trim corners (4) – will be bulky when turned over.
9 Turn out right side through the filter opening.
10 Press out corners.
11 Iron flat.
12 On 8in sides, turn in a seam ¾ or 1in for the cord insert.
13 Insert the 4in wire and sew in place to secure.
14 Place the cord into the ironed channel at sides and stitch, making sure not to catch cord with machine.
15 To neaten the same you can underlap the ends if fabric allows.
16 Backstitch a few times as there will be pressure on the cord and fabric when pulled to fit your face.
17 Tie end of cord or embellish with a button to prevent cord coming through the channel.
It has been suggested to use baby wipes as a filter. If using, leave to dry out.
Irish Country Living does not suggest that by making or wearing a face mask, you are protected from COVID-19. The HSE recommends social distancing and proper hygiene as the most effective ways of protecting yourself.
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