Homemade Paper Mask

Right now mask-wearing is in effect if you are to go outside, in some areas. Are you limited on resources at home? You can make a mask with a paper towel. It is not the same as N95 or surgical mask designed for healthcare employees, but we're trying to save those resources for those who need it most, plus it's literally impossible to find any available masks in general to buy right now.

This mask will help keep your droplets to yourself (just like it is better to sneeze into a napkin versus sneezing out in the open or into your bare hands). This would be ideal to make as a disposable mask and salvage the rubber bands after disinfecting with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Good to use when social distancing for a walk around your neighborhood for fresh air, getting the mail, or walking your dog. Or if this is all you have at home, it's better than nothing.

If you have fabric replace the paper towel - you could apply this same process and hand sew or use a sewing machine. And if you don't have elastic, you could use a rubber band temporarily.

Editor's Note: This type of paper mask should be only used as a last resort. Doubling the towels will help. Blue shop towels or thicker paper towels such as Bounty will be more effective. Be sure the mask is as tight fitting as possible for the best protection. Remember masks of any kind do not replace hand washing and social distancing as the main ways to help prevent the spread of the novel corona virus COVID19.