The recent outbreak of the Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has experts worried about a pandemic and with good reason. (MERS-CoV), which is a SARS-like virus that causes coughing, fever, and shortness of breath, has infected more than 600 people—and killed more than 100. (MERS-CoV) is easily spread from one person to another, and the good news is that it doesn’t appear to transmit through the air. There are vaccines that you can get. However, it is still necessary for you to wear a mask whenever you are outside.

The coronavirus is a respiratory illness that can cause fever, headache, diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting, leading to more serious complications, such as pneumonia. In some cases, it can lead to heart failure or even death. The virus is spread through contact with infected respiratory secretions, such as coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces. Thankfully, it is relatively easy to protect yourself from the virus by using simple precautions, such as wearing a mask to prevent the spread of respiratory secretions.

Masks are a protective respiratory device worn to protect the face or nose from inhaling airborne particles and help prevent the spread of germs such as colds and the flu. Masks are an important part of any preparation for a pandemic, such as the current outbreak of the coronavirus. In fact, they are one of the simplest items you can make yourself with items you have around the house.

Everyone knows that the most important step of any disease-related plan is prevention. If you have contracted the coronavirus, for instance, you may be wondering what you can do to prevent it from spreading. One easy way to reduce the risk of transmitting this infectious disease is to make sure you use a mask when you are around anyone who has it. While surgical masks and N95 respirators are effective, they are also bulky. Fortunately, it is easy to make your own disposable mask from household items.

If you are tight on money, then maybe you should just make your own DIY facemasks at home to save yourself a few dollars. Here are a few ways you can make your own masks at home.

  • A simple way to make a mask is to pretty much just use a cloth that is laying around your home and a string that is preferably elastic, such as elastic bands or hair bands that you can find lying around. You can also use a coffee filter or a tissue, although these materials are optional. All you really must do is to fold that cloth, preferably like a bandana, and fold it again twice. Afterward, place your elastic band around the cloth to make a mask. That wasn’t difficult at all. So, let’s look at another way you can make a mask.
  • This time let’s learn how you can make a mask just from an old shirt you may have lying around that you don’t even use. So, for this, we obviously need a shirt that you don’t use and, once again, a coffee filter or tissue if you want to make it stronger and make your mask more resilient. To start on this little project, first cut the bottom half of the shirt. The amount that you are going to use should be enough to cover your nose to your chin. After that, cut into your shirt to make the straps that wrap around your head. After that last step, you are basically done!
  • As the saying goes, a stitch in time saves nine, but let’s face it, no one has the time to sit around sewing all day long. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make a cloth mask without a sewing machine — by stitching, gluing, knotting, or even using a standard paper clip. There is a simple way to make a cloth mask that does not involve sewing. First, you need to prepare the necessary tools and materials. You will also need a sewing machine, scissors, and a needle. On the other hand, producing a cloth mask does not require a sewing machine. The mask will be made using your hands.