Wearing a mask in public has become mandatory in some European countries, while in Albania they are required in enclosed spaces, public transport, and shops. Wearing a mask helps to reduce the risk of the wearer transmitting COVID-19 to other people and also provides some protection against contracting the virus.
Surgical or single-use masks are disposed of after just a few hours and if you are using them every day, the price can soon add up. In addition to this, they are an environmental risk and end up in rivers, beaches, countryside, and landfill.
Exit brings you three ways to make your own masks at home.
Classic masks
Cut two rectangles from a tightly woven cotton cloth. Fold and sew the edges of the mask that will rest on the nose and chin. Fold and sew the side edges of the mask as well, but be careful to leave space for the ties. Attach 15 cm long tie on each side of the mask and tie them tightly. Insert the ties inside the side edges of the mask and sew.
Handkerchief mask
Cut a square cloth measuring 50 cm x 50 cm and fold it in half. Fold the upper and lower edge of the mask so it is about 8 cm. Place two ties on the side edges of the mask 15 cm apart and then fold and sew the two side edges of the mask together.
Mask from an old blouse
To make a cotton mask you could also use an old blouse. Cut its at the end to size 18-20 cm. At this point, make another incision measuring 15-18 cm. Cut the loop that forms to create ties.
To find out more about why you need to wear a mask, myths around masks, and how to correctly wear a mask, click here.
