The prime minister has come under heavy fire for a confused, convoluted message in light of recent Covid-19 developments (even the magnolia mouthpieces of This Morning had a pop). But following the further release of more guidelines yesterday morning, one thing is clear: we're now being encouraged to wear face masks in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not possible.
So, as many return to work on public transport, a face mask is deemed worthy battle armour in reducing the rates of coronavirus transmission. And, though debate on their effectiveness still abounds, the Royal Society's Delve – shorthand for Data Evaluation and Learning for Viral Epidemics – has recently come out in support of the wearing of face masks. “Our analysis suggests that their use could reduce onward transmission by asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic wearers if widely used in situations where physical distancing is not possible or predictable,” said a recently published report. “If correctly used on this basis, face masks, including homemade cloth masks, can contribute to reducing viral transmission.”
Some medical experts seem to agree. "Countries that flattened the curve used masks in public," Chris Kenyon, the head of sexually transmitted disease at Antwerp's Institute of Tropical Medicine told the BBC. And in the same report, the University of Hong Kong found that a surgical face mask considerably decreased the amount of virus in the breath and cough of those infected with different respiratory conditions. The general understanding is that face masks protect others from the spread if you are carrying Covid-19.
So it can't hurt to have one, then. But rather than settle for medical grade options that would deprive the NHS of much-needed personal protective equipment, you have two alternatives that are much, much better. You can make your own and get all crafty. Or, you can support independent artisans and brands that've switched production to the stuff that'll help us follow government guidelines. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control noted that such masks aren't to one uniform standard like those used by the frontline, but the same report established face masks in the community to be "a means of source control" when visiting busy, closed spaces and on public transport. They're reusable too, with thicker fabrics deemed preferential and a snug, close fit necessary for covering the jaw properly.
Note: a face mask isn't a get-out-of-coronavirus-free card. You still need to frequently wash your hands. You still need to maintain social distancing. You still need to behave like a fairly decent, normal human being. But given the latest advice, the purchase of a face mask may be essential for those who have to venture outdoors – and here's where you can buy a face mask and support independent brands/makers-of-things in the process.
Alice Cox
As a freelance theatre prop maker and set designer, Alice Cox was one of the first to feel the sharp end of the pandemic lockdown measures. So, the 27-year-old put down the power tools and plugged in the sewing machine, creating bespoke face masks from old designer fabrics with a pocket large enough to fit a filter. Email your choice of colour, material and fit – all for the tidy sum of £10 to £15 – and support a real grassroots business that operates from a spare room in Kennington.
Contrado
Founded in a North London kitchen in 2002, Contrado is a one-stop production shop that creates items to spec. Now, the company has turned its attention to face masks, creating four-packs for £20 in a range of different designs that can be customised to the size of your head. Which is very useful, as for face masks to work they sort of need to stay on the face.
Edeline Lee
Canadian-British designer Edeline Lee recently announced a non-profit mask making project and now, they're available to purchase. Made from non-woven spun bound polypropylene – a fluid-resistant fabric used to make surgical masks – the three-pack is not a medical-grade N95 or P3 design, but they have been altered to provide a closer fit for a price of £40.
Wawwa
The mass shortage of PPE encouraged Manchester outfit Wawwa to divert production to face masks, using organic cotton for designs that remain in-step with the label's streetwear signature. What's more, Wawwa stated that the £12 face masks are not-for-profit, rather an attempt to pitch into the war effort and help the wider public out.
Plümo
Sister duo Esther and Verena Roth established retailer Plümo to work with independent artisans and brands from around the world, and the store now retails handmade face masks produced from four layers of organic linen at £10 each. Better yet, the site will donate £2 to the Masks for NHS Heroes initiative for every piece sold.
Casetify
Buy a mask, donate a mask: the simple mechanism behind Casetify's initiative, in which the smartphone accessory company will provide a face mask to nonprofit relief charity, Direct Life, for each one purchased – and they even throw in a filter insert. Not bad for £12.
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