Ed note: This post discusses creative responses made by Kiwis to the COVID-19 lockdown. If you would like to read an article that includes information about other COVID-19 prevention strategies and treatments that are being investigated as options for COVID-19 including intravenous vitamin C and herbal medicine, as well as pharmaceuticals, please go to this link: https://naturalmedicine.net.nz/news/corona-virus-resources-for-the-public-and-health-professionals/
Using 3D printers to help make face shields for medical staff
The NZ Herald has reported that caring Kiwis have been using using 3D printers to help make face shields for medical staff. You can learn all about this at the following link https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12320501 and if you would like to contribute to the Give A Little page here is the link: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/makers-nz-covid-19-comunity-action
DIY Face Masks
Some Kiwis have been making DIY face masks in response to a shortage of face masks – and/or high prices for masks that are available to purchase.
One example of a Kiwi who has been creating DIY face masks may be seen at the link below, from which the information on how to correctly wear and remove a face mask has been excerpted: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/go-nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1504850&objectid=12319012 (The image of the mask used with this post likely comes from another home mask maker as the image was sourced from Trademe and the location was given as Whangarei.)
I might add that it is not only Kiwis creating DIY masks with their home sewing machines. People overseas are doing it too, and in March 2020 the Journal of the American Medical Association even called for ideas on how masks can be sanitised for re-use due to the shortage of masks. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/coronavirus-covid-19-ppe-face-mask-shortages-creative-solutions
Please note that the above article cautions that cloth masks are not likely to be as effective as those that are commercially manufactured. For example, a mask made from cotton T-shirt material worked only half as well as a surgical mask. This being said, if you are caring for someone who is ill in your home, and that person cannot wear a mask, wearing a mask (and glasses or goggles if you have these) can reduce the chance that you will touch your eyes, nose and mouth before you can wash your hands with soap.
There is a thoughtful article at the following link about the pros and cons of wearing masks: https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2020/04/04/benefits-of-wearing-face-mask.aspx
Also, since this post was first published, we wish to advise our readers that Dr. Russell Blaylock has written an article that warns that prolonged wearing of masks by healthy people may cause adverse health effects including lower blood oxygenation and headaches. Please see the following article for details as part of making an informed decision about whether or not you wish to wear a face mask. https://www.technocracy.news/blaylock-face-masks-pose-serious-risks-to-the-healthy/
If anyone reading this post wants to make their own mask there is a youtube of a doctor explaining how to make a DIY mask plus a pattern and materials list below:
Mask-making directions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fW_Qrv_1J26Lgd1kawSWqqyKvbYOY2Fu/view
Mask pattern: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gaiM3yZLalU1_7mlMeLR-3967A8cEu5H/view
How to correctly wear and remove a face mask:
– Wash
hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser.
– Place over nose, mouth and chin.
– Fit nose piece over nose bridge.
– Secure on head with ties or elastic.
– Adjust to fit – secure on your head, fitting snugly around your face with no
gaps.
– Avoid touching or adjusting your mask during use.
How to remove a mask:
– Wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser.
– Avoid touching the front of the mask.
– If the mask has ties, untie the bottom, then top tie.
– Remove from face.
– Wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser immediately.
The Ministry of Health’s recommendations for personal protective equipment for people who are at work who are NOT health professionals may be found at the link below:
Taking a dinosaur for a walk and other ways to make lockdown more fun
Kiwis came up with some creative ways of enjoying daily tasks such as walking in their neighbourhood in a dinosaur suit and going shopping in a unicorn suit while under national lockdown.
Shopping for essential groceries…in unicorn style
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12321001
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