The lack of masks and testing in the US is a colossal failure. It's not like a pandemic scenario was not known years in advance, the government failed spectacularly, especially one that spends a trillion dollars per year on "defense"
No. This calls on everyone to make their own. Lots of video tutorials, and some examples are dead simple (two rubber bands and a paper towel, if you have to).
> (two rubber bands and a paper towel, if you have to).
Two paper towels and a tissue paper actually.
The different materials lead to better filtration and absorption. The theory is to absorb the microscopic moisture that has COVID19 on it.
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I think the "cut t-shirt" design is easiest. With a bit of sewing effort, you can make it 3-ply or 5-ply for additional protection. Try to get the grains to go in different directions.
It's interesting to look at the numbers for this. Google says there are 2.86 million registered nurses in the US. Lets add in doctors and other healthcare workers and say there are 10 million workers (probably more). 3M is making 100 million masks a month. That's only enough for each of them to get 10 a month. They probably go through that in half a shift since they have to change per patient.
Yes! China is cranking out 300,000,000 surgical masks per day and they're available on Ali Express. I have 100 in my hand made on 3/15 - most are going to the local hospital today. Have 200 on order and should arrive in five days.