In light of the latest government guidelines, requiring everyone to mask-up when outside the home, we’ve had lots of calls from people expressing concern that masks seem to be sold out across Bahrain.
In response the Ministry of Health (MOH) has produced a helpful multilingual guide on how to create your own mask at home. Just follow the instructions in the video below.
There is even a no-sew option for those who are not handy with a needle and thread. And the Ministry has also issued a helpful guide on the wearing of masks and more. However, should you not have the materials easily available or fancy something a little funkier, there are plenty of other options available online.
MOH recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. The ministry also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
A useful tip is to dab a couple of drops of tea tree oil on the inside for extra disinfectant properties.
Cloth face coverings should:
• 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
• Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
Here are some FAQs regarding cloth face masks:
Should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise cleaned regularly? How regularly?
Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.
How does one safely sterilize/clean a cloth face covering?
A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a cloth face covering.
How does one safely remove a used cloth face covering?
Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their cloth face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.
Please note that cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance.
