SF’s Best DIY Masks

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all we wear face masks in public to help reduce transmission of COVID-19 – but due to shortage of medical masks and the desire to keep most N95 masks available for healthcare professionals, we now rely on our resourcefulness and creativity.

Just a word of caution if you wear DIY masks… There is limited evidence to suggest that use of cloth face coverings by the public during a pandemic could help reduce disease transmission. Their primary role is to reduce the release of infectious particles into the air when someone speaks, coughs, or sneezes, including someone who has COVID-19 but feels well. Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for physical distancing and washing hands and staying home when ill, but they may be helpful when combined with these primary interventions. Read more.

You can use a bandanna or a scarf or even make your own mask. Here are tips from the California Dept. of Public Health. Some take it as a form of self-expression and help them feel better about wearing a mask in public. 

Here are some fun and stylish masks found at SFGate Gallery.  Be inspired and Enjoy!