As Governor Mike DeWine begins lifting the stay at home order and allows more public spaces to open, it’s important to still take measures to remain healthy and help keep others safe. Some public spaces will require occupants to wear masks, or even if it isn’t required for your safety and the safety of others, many health organizations are recommending wearing masks. In a statement on masks, the CDC said, “Cloth face coverings prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading respiratory droplets when talking, sneezing, or coughing. If everyone wears a cloth face covering when out in public, such as going to the grocery store, the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 can be reduced for the community. Since people can spread the virus before symptoms start, or even if people never have symptoms, wearing a cloth face covering can protect others around you. Face coverings worn by others protect you from getting the virus from people carrying the virus.”
As stores sell out of disposable masks it’s still possible to make your own reusable mask. All it requires is a bandanna size (approximately 20”x20”) square of fabric. I used a hand towel, and two ponytail holders or rubber bands, and here’s how you make it.
- Fold your piece of fabric in half.
- Fold the bottom and top in so they meet in the middle.
- Repeat step 2.
- Place the rubber bands on each side of the fabric.
- Fold so fabric sticks out of the rubber band in toward the middle on both sides.
- Place rubber bands or ponytail holders over ears with the ends of the fabric that were folded in toward you.That’s all it takes, and now you have your very own reusable mask. Don’t forget to wash or disinfect the fabric often. If you don’t have a piece of fabric lying around, you can cut a panel out of an old t-shirt to use. Also if it would help to watch someone else make a mask with this method the CDC has posted a video you can access by clicking here.
The McNicholas Milestone 