As shortage of face masks were reported from several parts of the country, the union health ministry published 'do it yourself' (DIY), step by step instructions to make face masks at home.
The central government asked people to wear homemade face covers, particularly when they step out of their houses in order to curb the spread of COVID-19.
However, it also clarified that "this face cover 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".
Any used cotton cloth can be used to make face covers. 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 dried well before making the face cover.
Things you will need to make a facemask at home:
Step-by-step instructions:
How to wear face mask:
One must wash hands thoroughly before wearing the face cover, switch to another fresh one as the face cover becomes damp or humid, and never reuse it without cleaning.
Face cover without a sewing machine:
How to store clean masks:
The proposed guide is meant to provide a simple outline of best practices to make, use and reuse face covers to enable NGOs and individuals make face protection covers themselves. Click here to view the full advisory issued by the government.
