We are left with the truth. Masks are running out, and there is not enough for everyone. Many people resort to making their own, and scientists in Hong Kong approve of this. According to them, DIY masks can provide almost the same protection as a surgical mask can.
Not Enough Masks for Everyone
Masks are running out of stock around the world, and it probably won't be available for quite some time. As the pandemic COVID-19 leaves everyone fearful for their lives, people are taking extra precautions in looking after their health.
Prices for masks have even spiked because of the fast depletion of stocks. It may be a sad picture to paint, but in reality, many are seen in long lines outside pharmacies trying to get their hands on some of the stocks.
The elderly, who are predisposed to the virus, don't stand a chance in getting in those long lines. Most are too weak to stand outside and wait for long periods. The ones who need protection the most are those who lack them.
Here Comes the Solution: DIY
Scientists from The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital teamed up with Science Park and came up with do-it-yourself tips in making your mask. According to executive councilor and Elderly Commission chairman Dr. Lam Ching-choi, scientific tests have found that home-made masks can suffice as a means of protection.
He hopes that this will alleviate fears as Hong Kong's top microbiologist working on coronavirus, Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, also endorses the use of DIY masks.
Although the DIY masks do not serve as a permanent substitute for surgical masks, Joe Fan King-man, assistant hospital chief executive of the hospital, said they still satisfy the purpose of protection. He reports that they were proven to have attained 80 to 90 percent of the filtration of aerosol and droplets as regular surgical masks.
Read Also: Tiktok Video: Surgeon Explains Why Wearing Gloves Won't Protect From Coronavirus
Easy Steps to Make Your DIY Mask and Face Shield at Home
Using items you might already have at home, you can easily make your own face masks.
For this project, you are going to need:
Kitchen roll
Strong tissue paper
Elastic Bands
Hole Punch
Paper tape
Scissors
Plastic-coated steel wire
A pair of glasses
Plastic file folders
Binder clips
How To Make Your DIY Mask:
Make sure the materials you use are clean. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Stack two pieces of kitchen roll on top of each other.
Place a piece of tissue on top of the two pieces of kitchen roll. This will serve as the bottom layer of the mask.
Cut the stack of paper into two.
Use paper tape to seal off the sides.
Attach the metallic wire on the top edge of the mask. This will serve as the nose bridge wire. Secure the borders with paper tape.
Tie four rubber bands through the holes on the sides of the mask. These serve as loops for the ears.
How To Make Your DIY Protective Shield:
Cut the file folder into two pieces.
Affix a piece on the edge of the glasses with binder clips.
Take note that the hospital mentioned that other materials such as cling film, filter paper, air conditioner, and cotton cloth were unfit for making the masks. The shield is reusable and should be disinfected after every use.
Read Also: Here Are The Most Forgotten Household Items That Can Be Germ Breeding Spots: Clean Them Now
