With an increasing number of deaths and confirmed cases of Wuhan Coronavirus globally, people are hoarding face masks and causing its supply to run low. As a result, the price of face masks shoots up unreasonably, making it difficult for us to buy one nowadays.
But for Christina Ong, the shop owner of Clevergreen, a handicraft shop at Sungai Siput, Perak, the increased price and short supply of face masks should not be a big problem to worry about. Well, why would she when she can make her own cloth face mask!
Christina started her work to make cloth face mask when she saw on Facebook, a JB lady’s request on a cloth face mask for her husband who is being quarantined in Singapore. “I then searched the internet and found that Dr. Chen Guan Ting, a Taiwanese anaesthesiologist has shared and recommended the cloth face mask he created,” she told China Press. So, she made some for the lady following the instructions shared by Dr. Chen.
Source: China Press
According to her, there should be an opening at the side of the mask to insert a piece of non-woven fabric as the air filter. It can be rags, gauze, sanitary pads, and even toilet paper. But whatever material you use to place in the mask, it should always be new and not reused.
Source: China Press
Are cloth face masks hygienic and effective? Christina added that Dr. Chen shared on his Facebook about the reusability of the mask. “As long as it is washed daily. If it is too wet, change it,” wrote Dr. Chen. But the effectiveness is yet to confirm.
Christina has been creating cloth masks for her friends since. Having specialized in handmade products for 7 years, she has designed 2 patterns in which one is for adults and the other for children.
Source: China Press
“Because it is handmade, only 8 to 10 masks can be made within 8 hours, and this includes only the ironing and sewing process. It takes a lot of time,” admitted the crafty store owner.
Doctor: Use MOH-recommended face masks
A physician from Kuala Kangsar mentioned that a DIY cloth face mask beats having nothing at all, but it is still best if we use the masks recommended by the Ministry of Health. He added that while it is understandable to make a cloth face mask for self-protection due to the shortage of supplies, making a business out of it is not recommended.
“Viruses may survive in saliva for a few days outside of the body. Therefore, having a strong immune system and wash hands regularly is more important than wearing masks,” he explained.
Anyway, if you are interested in making yourself a cloth face mask, here is a video on how to do it.
