Cloth face masks, CDC recommended sew & no-sew options

Manchester resident Angela Zahner sewed masks last weekend with a piece of pipe-cleaner sewn in the top seam so the mask can be fit tightly around the nose (worn by daughter Madeline)

Manchester resident Theresa Herron sewed masks for many family members.

Last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made the recommendation that everyone wear cloth face masks or coverings in public, especially in areas where COVID-19 is being transmitted by community spread, like Washtenaw. They ask that the public wear cloth coverings and that surgical masks and N-95 respirators continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.

The change in recommendation seems to have come about as community spread has increased and those infected without showing symptoms are thought to be the cause. While cloth masks will not protect a wearer nearly as well as medical grade masks and respirators from becoming infected, they can prevent asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 from unknowingly infecting others.

The CDC states that cloth face coverings can be fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost. The key to making the mask effective are that it fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, be secured with ties or ear loops, include multiple layers of fabric, allow for breathing without restriction and that it be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.

They state that Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and should wash hands immediately after removing. The masks should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use in a washing machine if possible.

Village president Pat Vailliencourt has set up a central distribution site for homemade masks, a bin on the porch of Two Black Sheep restaurant on Main Street. Those making masks can place them in the bin, preferably 2 per plastic bag. Those who need masks can take what they need.

There are many patterns for homemade masks being shared and different medical facilities and organizations are sharing patterns of their own. The CDC is sharing 3 methods of making cloth face coverings:

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.