Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention AARON STECKELBERG/THE WASHINGTON POST

Personal protective equipment for health workersHomemade face masks to help fight coronavirus�e Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending the use of homemade masks by the public to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. Here are features o�cials advocated for homemade masks:

Because of severe supply shortages, o�cials asked that some masks be reserved for use by front-line medical workers. It is recommended that health-care workers primarily wear two kinds of face masks:

Designed to reduce the wearer’s exposure to droplets and to protect patients from the wearer’s respiratory emissions.

Fit snugly and cover from nose bridge to below the chin.

Include multiple layers of fabric.

Not restrict the wearer’s ability to breathe.

Nose clamp and mask must be fit- tested to ensure there are no gaps.

O�ers limited protection from inhaling small particles but is still better than a homemade mask.

Sewn cloth mask N95 respirator Surgical maskCut (not sewn) face mask

Elastic earloops Secure

ties

When choosing a material, it is important to balance how well it filters particles with how well it allows a person to breathe, the CDC said. Also, it is important that the mask can be laundered without damage.

Designed to reduce the wearer’s exposure to very small particles and droplets and to protect patients from the wearer’s respiratory emissions.