Masks
The manual also provide steps to clean and store masks as well as important precautions
Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 4
Amid the shortages of masks due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released a do-it-yourself (DIY) manual on making masks at home on April 4.
In a simple and easy guide, the ministry’s manual explained how to make the masks with a sewing machine or by needles. “Such homemade face cover is a good method for maintaining personal hygiene. Such usage certainly will help in maintaining overall hygienic health conditions,” the ministry said advised in the manual, released via Press Information Bureau of India.
“Such people who are not suffering from medical conditions 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 suggested.
However, the manual said that the homemade mask is not “recommended for either health workers or those working with or in contact with COVID 19 patients or are patients themselves as these categories of people are required to wear specified protective gear.”
It further called for two sets of such face masks be made so that one can be washed while the other is used.
“Hand washing would still remain essential criteria and hand should be washed before wearing the face cover. Such face covers should also not be thrown anywhere but kept safely, washed properly with soap and hot water and dried properly before they are used,” it added.
“These face covers could be made out of clean cloth available at home, which needs to be thoroughly cleaned and washed before a face cover is stitched/made. The face cover should be prepared in such a manner that it can cover the mouth and nose completely and can be tied over the face easily,” it added.
The Ministry further advised against sharing of face mask and stated that it must be used by only one individual.
How to clean and sanitize homemade masks
The manual also provided the 3-step processes to clean and sanitise homemade masks everyday
Step I: Thoroughly wash the face cover in soap and warm water and leave it to dry in hot sun for at least 5 hours. If you do not have access to the sun, follow Step II:
Step II: Place the face cover in water in a pressure cooker and pressure boil it for at least 10 minutes and leave it to dry. Adding salt to the water is recommended. In the absence of a pressure cooker, you may boil the cloth face cover in hot water for 15 minutes.
Step III: Wash and clean with soap and apply heat on the face cover for up to five minutes. (An iron can be used).
How to store your clean masks
The manual recommended that at least two face masks so that one can be worn while the other is being washed and dried. The steps for washing are:
- Take any plastic bag at home
- Clean it thoroughly with soap and water
- Let it dry well on both sides
- Keep your extra clean face cover in the clean bag
- Sealed it well
- Now you can rotate your face covers for daily use
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS:
Before using the handmade face cover remember:
- Thoroughly wash and clean the face cover (as shown in next page) before wearing it.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before wearing the face cover.
- As soon as the face cover becomes damp or humid, switch to another face cover and clean the used face cover.
- Never reuse a face cover after single use without cleaning it.
- Never share the face cover with anyone. Every member in a family should have separate face cover.
When removing the face cover:
- Do not touch the front or any other surface of the face cover, remove it only with strings behind
- For string face cover, always untie the string below and then the string above
- After removal, immediately clean your hands with 65% alcohol-based hand sanitser or with soap and water for 40 seconds
- Drop it directly into a soap solution or boiling water to which salt has been added
Make a Face Cover using a Sewing Machine
Any used cotton cloth can be used to make this face cover. The colour of the fabric does NOT matter but one must ensure that the fabric is washed well in boiling water for 5 minutes and dry it well before making the face cover.
Adding salt to this water is recommended.
Making a Face Cover at Home Without a Sewing Machine
