The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that all Americans use a cloth face covering when going out into the community. Their website gives instructions on how to make your own cloth mask from materials you already have at home, and includes patterns for masks that are sewn and “no-sew” designs.
It’s important to wear any mask or face covering correctly, since touching the mask incorrectly can actually encourage the spread of the virus. Check out this video from Dr. Sydnee McElroy that shows you how to don and doff your mask the right way.
Similarly, if you’re wearing gloves to protect yourself and others, it’s important to use them correctly AND remove them correctly. Check out this video from the Minnesota Department of Health for the correct way to don and doff gloves.
If you’ve made more masks that you need for your own family and friends, here are some places asking for donations of homemade masks:
- Marshfield Clinic: Our Mercer clinic is closed but other clinics in the system are open and in need of masks. Learn more on their website.
- Wisconsin Face Mask Warriors is a large group of volunteers dedicated to providing homemade masks to facilities that request them. Visit them on Facebook to see how you can help.
Last updated: April 21, 2020