Question: Why should I wear a mask?
Answer: Wearing a mask helps to cut down on air and droplets from traveling very far from your nose and mouth when you talk, breathe, and cough. It also helps cut down some of other people's droplets from reaching your face. Overall, it reduces the spread of COVID-19. Check out this video for more information: https://youtu.be/kYJvU81DKgk
Question: When should I wear a mask?
Answer: Any time you are around people that you do not live with, if anyone in your household has been exposed to the virus, or if anyone has a possible case of coronavirus.
Question: How do I make a mask?
Answer: There are many options available. Most stores sell cloth or disposable paper masks, you can buy them online through Etsy or Amazon, or you can check out these patterns here and here.
Question: What about wearing face shields?
Answer: Face shields are not a substitute for face masks, but they do help reduce the amount of droplets reaching your eyes, face, and through gaps around your mask, as well as reducing the amount of droplets that you release into the environment.
Question: My mask makes me feel anxious, what can I do?
Answer: While you should use judgement in deciding if professional help is right for you, there are several strategies you can try. First, you can try putting essential oils in your mask or washing it with a scented bodywash so that it will have a nice, calming scent. Second, try wearing your mask at home, while doing chores or watching TV. Start with small increments of time, and slowly work your way up as you feel more comfortable. Third, practice taking slow, deep breaths with a long exhale. Forth, maybe it's your mask. Try different mask materials, styles, or surgical/paper masks to see what works for you.