Health Ministry asks people to use homemade masks; here’s how you can make them

New Delhi, Apr 4: As the cases of coronavirus touched nearly 3,000 in India on Saturday, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare urged people to use homemade face masks even if they didn’t show symptoms of the infection.

The ministry said that along with social distancing, homemade face covers would effective in maintaining personal hygiene and will ensure overall hygienic health conditions.

“It is suggested that such people who are not suffering from medical condition or having breathing difficulties may use the handmade reusable face cover, particularly when they step out of their house. This will help in protecting the community at large,” it said in a press release.

However, the ministry added that this will not be applicable for either health workers or those in close contact with COVID-19 patients as they require a specified protective gear.

“It is advised that two sets of such face covers be made so that one can be washed while the other is used,” the ministry said in its release. “Hand washing would still remain essential criteria and hand should be washed before wearing the face cover,” the ministry advised. It added that it would help protect the community at large.

It added that the face cover should be made in such a manner that it can cover the mouth and the nose completely and can be tied over the face easily.

Here is a step by step guide on how to make such masks with a sewing machine or without it, and how to store them ensuring they remain free of infection. You can also download them here