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There are plenty of resources to help you make a face mask at home.

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If your state is planning to reopen some businesses, it's likely they'll require you to wear a mask in order to enter to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. That means it's time to start making homemade face masks and coverings, and you can get inspiration from others who have gotten creative -- from making headbands with buttons to prevent chafing around the ears to clear coverings over the mouth so their lips can be read. They're even using 3D printers to make face shields and mask accessories. Face coverings like these are now a common sight in grocery stores, public transportation, pharmacies and even on the streets.

We know you must have questions, so we're breaking down what you need to know about making, wearing, buying and donating masks, from hand-sewn masks to no-sew coverings and even bandanas attached to your ears with hair ties. (As an alternative to making your own, you can also find and buy a face mask online.)





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Homemade face masks may not be able to block out every particle, and are not guaranteed to keep you from acquiring the coronavirus, but they can help in some circumstances (more below). The severe shortage of N95 masks, which help protect medical professionals like doctors and nurses from acquiring the coronavirus, has meant that ordinary citizens needed an alternative to help slow the spread.

Social distancing on walks and in stores, and that thorough hand-washing is still the most advocated medical advice for healthy people to avoid acquiring the coronavirus.








Now playing: Watch this: See the new face mask that might solve shortages

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Face mask vs. face covering: What's the difference?
The CDC stresses the use of "face coverings" in its recommendation, not necessarily "face masks." So what's the difference? A face covering can be any cloth that covers the nose and mouth, including a scarf or bandana wrapped around the face.

A face mask refers to a more specific shape that usually involves material that's more fitted to the nose, mouth and skull, as through the use of ear straps.

It's possible that "face covering" is used to differentiate coverings from surgical and N95 respirator masks that are so critically low in hospitals in New York and the rest of the country.

Here's what the CDC says: "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."




#DYK? CDC's recommendation on wearing a cloth face covering may help protect the most vulnerable from #COVID19. Watch @Surgeon_General Jerome Adams make a face covering in a few easy steps. website pic.twitter.com/mE7Tf6y3MK

— CDC (@CDCgov) April 4, 2020






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Many people are layering bandanas and scarves to make face coverings at home.

Sarah Tew/CNET


How homemade face masks can help
Homemade face mask patterns were available online before the coronavirus pandemic began. Most of them are intended to block out large particles such as dust; air pollution from cars, factories or ash; and Jasa Bongkar Pasang AC allergens such as pollen. 

Non-N95 face masks or coverings may not be able to block the smallest particles, but there are some benefits to wearing one, in addition to following other precautions:



May block large particles ejected from sneezing and coughing.

Might help protect others from your sneezes and coughs if you acquired the virus but are otherwise asymptomatic and in public.

Could encourage more mindful behavior, including avoiding touching one's mouth, nose and eyes.

Peace of mind.