I was watching Rachel Maddow tonight, and she talked about the face mask shortages plaguing some hospitals. She mentioned something that was happening in some places: hospitals are asking the public to sew face masks for the hospital staff. So if you need something to do and have a sewing machine, here’s something you can do to help.
They’re not as good as the N95 respirator masks, but better than bandanas. "If all other supplies are not available, then handmade masks that meet certain criteria are acceptable." Given the upcoming anticipated shortages, this may save lives! Materials you need for each mask:
2@ 6"X9" 100% cotton (tightly woven) fabric rectangles
2@ 7" long strips of 1/4" wide flat elastic
cotton thread
For instructions, see: www.courierpress.com/…
Helpful hint: While you're sewing, the right sides will be together with the long part of the elastic sandwiched inside between the right sides, so you only see the short ends of the elastic while you're stitching. Otherwise, when you turn the material right side out, the elastic will not be accessible to go around the ears!