How do you make your own mask to protect against COVID-19?

Pa. House of Representatives vote remotely for first time in history

House Minority Whip Jordan Harris, D-Philadelphia, leaves the House floor wearing gloves and a mask after the morning session on March 24, 2020. The House session will be the first in state history where members can vote remotely due to the coronavirus outbreak. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

Pennsylvania residents are being asked to wear face masks anytime they leave their home now during the pandemic crisis, but for some, it’s not that easy.

Where can I buy a mask? How long would it take to be delivered?

Well, the Department of Health is making it easy, providing instructions on Friday to those without face masks on how to make one from home.

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These masks will require the use of a needle and thread or a sewing machine to make, but do not require much material in order to be produced. The only materials needed are fabric, fabric ties, scissors and the needle or machine.

They are not meant to keep people from getting the coronavirus, but rather are for preventing people who might have it from spreading it. It has been found that people can be carriers of COVID-19 and not show any symptoms of the disease while spreading it to others.

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Gov. Tom Wolf said that while anyone going out in public should wear a mask, it should not be seen as permission to leave their homes. He also said that people do not need to wear a surgical mask or an N-95 mask and that these homemade masks should be effective.

Those surgical and N-95 masks are being asked to be reserved for medical professionals and first responders, as there are concerns about running out of them due to increased demand across the country.

The coronavirus spread has continued to rise across the country, including in Pennsylvania. As of noon on Friday, there were 8,420 positive cases in the state with at least 102 people having died from the coronavirus.

Wolf extended the stay-at-home order to all counties in the state on Wednesday, asking people to leave their homes only for necessities to try to slow the spread.

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