In this difficult time when many conflicting pieces of information circulate and we witness unusual behavior... as a healthcare worker, I took the time to review the recommendations regarding the wearing of face masks.

The first thing to say is that commercial surgical masks should be prioritized for healthcare workers who are caring for people infected with the virus.
To ensure proper working conditions for this staff and help them carry out their mission,... stay rational and do not use up the stock of these professional masks. If you have some at home, donate them to healthcare workers, they need them.

Homemade masks are very useful for people who are isolated at home. Indeed, they help prevent contaminating someone in close contact.
The important thing is to change masks regularly and wash them at a high temperature (90°C) after each use. The high temperature sterilizes the mask.
The choice of fabric must of course take into account this washing temperature. 

To make your homemade mask, you will need per mask:
- two squares of fabric 19cm on each side with tight weaves and able to withstand washing at 90°C;
dishcloths are recommended.
- two pieces of thin elastic 20cm long (if you don't have any, you can replace them with thin ties that will need to be lengthened to tie the mask behind the head)
- polyester thread
not forgetting the sewing machine, the iron, and the basic tools.

Regarding the actual making, I used this tutorial for which I am sharing the video below:

The Grenoble University Hospital also offers us another video tutorial:

To complement the information, the Belgian public health SPF gives us the following guidelines for making our own masks for domestic use:

• Different layers of fabric offer better protection than a single layer.
• Using filtering materials such as a vacuum cleaner bag is a good idea.
• Kitchen towels offer better protection than some cotton fabrics. Silk and synthetic fabrics protect less well, especially since they do not withstand high-temperature washing.
• Very thick layers of fabric make breathing more difficult and are uncomfortable to wear for a long time. Avoid thick masks that make you sweat more, itch because they will cause you to touch your face (unconsciously).
• Make sure the face mask fits well around the nose and chin, you must breathe, both through the mouth and nose, through the face mask.

Wearing a mask does not exempt us from taking hygiene measures:
- keep a distance from other people, about 1.5m
- wash your hands regularly; soap is enough
- stay at home if you can and limit your social interactions.

I will finish by saying: be brave and above all, united!
See you soon,
Eugénie