Just recently, the CDC recommended that people use masks and gloves if they are going outside of their house. This will help people avoid unnecessary germs and contact with others. This will help flatten the curve and stop the spread of the Coronavirus, and it will help protect many people from the virus. Some people could be carrying the virus, but they may lack actual symptoms, which makes the use of masks and gloves significant. It is smart to wear gloves and masks when you are going to the store or work, but there is much more to it than just wearing them. 

Contamination can still spread while wearing gloves, so people must know the correct way to wear them. If you are wearing gloves at the store, make sure you are taking them off before you touch your face, phone, and before you get into the car. If you do not follow the correct guidelines, then it is very easy to cross contaminate. When taking off your gloves, make sure you are taking them off the correct way and throwing them directly into the trash. 

Wearing masks can also protect yourself and others. Everyone should be wearing masks, even if they are healthy. Some people could be sick, but they lack the symptoms to prove it. Because of this, it is vital to wear masks no matter what. Ms. Jensen, a teacher at Alliance High School, has done a lot of research relating to masks. She says, “That being said, wearing masks is a necessity and it’s very important the general public is not using medical-grade masks such as the N95 masks. Those need to be left for healthcare professionals.” 

Ms. Jensen also goes on to say that the best fabric for masks is quilting cotton because particles have a harder time traveling through the material. Because it is important to leave the specific masks for healthcare professionals, Ms. Jensen has found a perfect way to make your own. She says, “If someone is making masks, they can also add a layer of flannel between the two layers of quilting cotton for an added layer of protection. The elastic you see on most masks that secures behind the ears is very difficult to find right now. If you can find elastic, you should use 1/4 inch elastic or 1/4 elastic cord. If you can’t find elastic, no problem. All you need to do is cut a strip of 1 3/4 inch fabric that’s about 40 inches long and make bias tape from the fabric to make ties for your mask. You can also add a wire nose piece to your mask by using a zigzag stitch to secure a piece of pipecleaner to the top of the front layer of cotton.” If you are able to make your own, do so! It will not only help protect yourself, but others around you. When you are wearing your mask, be sure not to touch it, and if it is not a reusable one, make sure to throw it away when you are done. 

Ms. Jensen and the FCCLA at Alliance High School are making masks and donating them to the Box Butte General Hospital and Highland Park. The pattern they are using can be found at this link- https://melaniekham.com/diy-face-mask-with-ties/. Another place for maks would be – https://www.patscreative.com/shop.htm. They are located in Hemingford and all you have to do is place your order and pick it up! If you are interested in helping a good cause and donating to those who need it, here is a link that has the requirements for mask donations: http://www.pphd.org/Site/Documents/NewsReleases/Hospital%20Homemade%20Masks%20.pdf

There are so many things you should be doing right now to stay healthy and to protect others. Make sure you are practicing social distancing, following the CDC recommendations, washing your hands, and following the right guidelines for wearing masks and gloves.