Yesterday, the Mayor of L.A., Eric Garcetti, announced that everyone should wear a non-medical face covering when out in public. The CDC is expected to make the same recommendation soon. So you might want to think about getting your hands on one.
Please do not use face masks (N95 respirators and surgical masks) intended for healthcare professionals and first responders. And it must be emphasized that a face-covering shouldn’t be in lieu of practicing social distancing. It’s an additional protection, along with social distancing and hand-washing, in order to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the instance that someone is an asymptomatic carrier. The face-covering is meant to protect other people from you in case you are infected and vice versa. Think about it this way: I wear a mask to protect you, you wear a mask to protect me.
So what’s a non-medical grade face covering you might ask. It can be anything from a bandanna, a scarf, or a cloth mask. If you’re crafty, you can easily sew one together. There are numerous patterns out there. Here’s one from the New York Times. If you’re not crafty, no worries, here’s one where there is no sewing required.
If you’re looking for a non-medical grade face mask, there are plenty on Amazon and Etsy. In addition, a number of fashion companies have stepped up and started producing masks as well.
Reformation has partnered with the City of L.A. on LA Protects to organize local factories to produce masks for essential workers. They are also selling five masks for $25. In addition, you can also donate masks.
Groceries Apparel is another Los Angeles based company that is producing organic cotton masks. You can purchase three masks for $15. And with that purchase, they’ll also donate three masks. For $30, you can buy three and donate ten. There’s also a kid-size mask (buy three, give three) that you can purchase for your little ones.
Agolde is also offering a five-pack of cotton mask for $25.
Los Angeles based Nation Ltd is also producing reusable non-medical grade masks. You can pick up a set of five white sateen cotton-lined mask for $25. Or you can pick up a set of three jaguar print masks for $30. You can also donate a five-pack of white mask for $25.
Another L.A. based brand, Sanctuary has produced over five million N95 masks for the medical community across the nation. They are also selling non-medical grade masks that come in a variety of prints to the general public. A five-pack will cost you $28.
Buck Mason is donating a mask for every one they sell. You can purchase a pack of five anti-microbial face mask for $20. These masks are supposed to last for about 30 cycles in the wash. And if you choose to, you can also donate a five-pack for $20.
Alice & Olivia have produced and donated 5,000 face masks to several hospitals. Now they are offering a non-medical grade face mask to the public. A face mask, in the iconic Staceface print, can be purchased for ten dollars. For every mask sold, they are donating one to communities in need.
You can purchase a reusable face mask from Michael Costello in either black or white for $15.
Brixton is also offering a three-pack of multi-print face masks.
The athletic-wear company is producing poly-spandex masks for six dollars a pop. There’s a center slit to insert a filter. The filter, however, is not included.
The masks are buy one, donate one.
Like many other Los Angeles based companies, For Days, has partnered with the city to produce and distribute masks for front line workers. For the public, the company is offering a buy five, donate five pack for $25. Also, you can send five mask (and donate five) to someone or donate ten masks. These masks also have a filter pocket, but filters are not included.
For $30, you can pick up a three-pack of reusable cotton masks with and adjustable nose to ensure proper fit.
Keep in mind that face coverings should fit snugly without any gaps. Always wash your hands before putting your mask on and after taking it off. Refrain from touching your face. And of course, stay at home. Go out only for essential services and practice social distancing when you do.
Stay safe!
