Soaring past 5,000 confirmed cases this week, the general population is unable to do much more than practice social distancing, a move thatâs grown all too familiar as we approach week three of Indiaâs lockdown phase. With feelings of helplessness rising, what exactly is it that we can do?

The answer to this question lies in plain sight, and for most of us, right in front of our faces - the mass utilisation and continued use of face masks, through the lockdown and beyond. While many of us are fortunate enough to have stockpiled on manufactured facemasks, a vast population of Indians cannot afford them and given the shortage of equipment faced by medical authorities, perhaps a more hands-on approach will do the trick.

Why Wear Masks?

© Reuters; Even dogs are taking on the spirit of medical safety.

What India currently needs is a logistics-friendly, cost-effective, instantly doable and medically sound approach to preventing coronavirus spread. In no way is this currently more feasible than introducing and promoting the usage of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) facemasks.

While sophisticated N95 masks provide the highest available form of protection, even basic masks can help in lowering rates of transmission, therefore saving potential lives. According to Ben Cowling, a Hong Kong professor of epidemiology associated with the World Health Organisation (WHO), "The argument ... about everybody wearing a mask, is not that it will prevent everyone from getting infected, it's that it will slow down transmission.â

What Do You Need To Make A DIY Mask?

© Reuters; Stay informed and educated - donât be this guy.

Since you will need to make at least two masks (after use, facemasks need to be either disposed of or cleaned thoroughly to prevent exposure risk), itâs important to consider which kind of mask youâd like to make - weâve got two levels that you can try, depending on your supplies and comfort with tailoring.

T-Shirt Cloth Mask/Bandana MaskNo sewing required - absolutely beginner friendly.Requires a pair of scissors.A disposable T-Shirt/bandana.Rubber bands or hair ties.Sewn Cloth FacemaskWill require sewing skills, but is more sturdy and customisable.Two 10â x 6â rectangles of cotton fabric.Two 6â pieces of elastic or cloth strips.Needle & thread.Scissors.A sewing machine.How To Craft Your DIY MaskT-Shirt Cloth Mask

© BCCL

Simple and easy to make, this can also help you find a use for old t-shirts and embrace sustainability during these trying times as well.

Bandana Mask

© BCCL

If youâre uncomfortable working with scissors and cloth, this one turns out to be even easier than the t-shirt option and can be quickly crafted in a matter of seconds.

Sewn Cloth Facemask

While requiring a person with basic sewing skills to make, this mask is a great way to learn if youâve got someone to help you around at home - you can even use prints or colours you personally enjoy to create these handy reusable masks.

Creating your mask is just the first step, however. In order to maximise your safety and the longevity of the mask, the following steps are important too:

Before using a mask, remember to wash your hands - thatâs even more crucial for virus protection.Never share your mask with others - each person must have their own pair.After your mask becomes damp, humid or unclean, it must be washed immediately to be of use again. This is ideally done with a thorough soap wash before leaving the mask to dry under sunlight for 5 hours.Alternatively, you can boil the mask in salt water for 10-15 minutes.Keep your mask in a clean, dry and safe place, such as a thoroughly washed plastic bag or container.

Spearheaded by The Times of India, #MaskIndia is an online effort to spread awareness by educating India about the benefits of homemade masks with the goal of ultimately safeguarding every Indian against COVID-19. Share a picture with your homemade mask on your social handles using #MaskIndia. The best picture will be featured in The Times Of India, and on MaskIndia.com.

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