Coronavirus DIY Face Masks: How to Make Homemade Health Face Masks to Help Stop the Spread of Germs & COVID-19 by 30Seconds Health

The coronavirus pandemic is creating shortages of face masks to help prevent the spread of germs as people worry about the health of their loved ones and themselves. This has significant implications for our healthcare workers, who are on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 and are lacking the personal protective equipment (PPE) they need.  

Though the Surgeon General released a statement discouraging people from buying face masks, if wearing one brings you comfort during the coronavirus outbreak but you are not able to purchase them, here’s a DIY face mask you can make at home, courtesy of the Hong Kong Consumer Council. 

You’ll need:

• paper towels
• tissue paper
• scissors
• rubber bands
• hole punch
• masking tape (5 cm wide)
• binder clips
• plastic-coated wire
• pair of glasses
• plastic file folder

Here’s how to make it:

1. Wash your hands and tools thoroughly.
2. Stack two paper towels on top of each other.
3. Put one piece of tissue paper on top of the paper towels.
4. Cut the stack in half.
5. Tape both sides with the masking tape.
6. Punch two holes with the hole punch on each sealed side.
7. Tape a plastic-coated wire onto the paper towel side.
8. Tie rubber bands through the holes.
9. Cut the file folder in half.
10. Clip it onto the glasses using the binder clips.

Another idea going around social media is using bras for face masks.

Whether or not you decide to wear a face mask during the coronavirus outbreak, always wash your hands and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. And, consider reaching out to your local government or healthcare facilities to see how you can help them get the important PPE supplies they need. We need to protect our doctors and nurses.

This video is longer than 30 seconds, but we think it's worth it.

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community. Inspire and be inspired.