Our lives have been changed in so many ways in the last 7 weeks. How we interact with each other has a new norm. First and foremost, we have been practicing safe social distancing or “physical distancing” as some term it. Handwashing is a must, and most people have been very good about practicing this. In my weekly meetings with preschool, we practice our hand washing with songs and hand movements.
Now we are all used to hearing “I wear a mask for you, you wear a mask for me”. What does this really mean? Early in the pandemic it was thought that people needed to be asymptomatic to transmit Covid-19 to those around them. Since then we have learned that this is not true, that a person without symptoms can be contagious. Therefore, because there is no way that we could know our Covid status each day, one of the preventions is for all of us to wear masks. It has been mandated that we cover our noses and mouths when we enter a store or any place that social distancing might be breached. The efficacy of fabric masks rely on each of us wearing one, because it protects people from you, but not you from them. Wearing masks help protect us from one another, as long as we also maintain physical distancing and practice excellent hand washing.
There are many types of face coverings that can be made. T-shirts, bandanas, scarves are all items that can be made into face coverings, with several “no sew” directions available.
This link is especially useful because it shows you how to make masks with elastics or ties. The ties are useful for those that wear glasses or hearing aids. Always remember that your mask must be at least double layered.
How to Make a No-Sew Face Mask with At Home Materials
Using a face covering is something that we can quickly adapt to. However, you should be sure that when you remove your covering, you remove it by handling it at the ties or ear loops. Touching the front of the mask is a potential for virus exposure that might have adhered to your mask. Here’s a quick reminder that you can review with your child. Wash your fabric masks as you would any other clothing.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/cloth-face-covering.pdf
Making a mask gives your child a feeling of “doing something” in this time when often they feel like they are unable to control much in their lives. They can even make one for the people that they love and care about!
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
Please feel free to email me with any questions or links to other mask making activities.