Masks save lives. Even if they are homemade. Therefore:

#Mask4All

The idea: If all people moving in public space wear face masks, the spread of Corona Virus (COVID-19) could be slowed down. We don’t have enough medical masks for all of us — and that’s why we make them ourselves!

With this, we save lives.

Why #mask4all

The risk of infection can be considerably reduced if we all wear a mask. How exactly does this work?

Why is #mask4all so effective?

Masks protect you from everything else. So if everyone wears a mask, everyone is better protected. What studies show that?

#mask4all only works if you follow these rules:

Most important of all: Wearing the DIY mask does not replace washing your hands, stay at home and keep your distance. Wear the DIY mask only briefly once, then wash at least 60 degrees or boil for 5 minutes. Do not touch the mask when wearing it. Which rules are still incredibly important?

Wear a mask only for a short period of time and only reuse home made once after washing it.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Why are there still only a few people wearing masks?

1. They do not protect the wearer from infection.

2. There is a shortage of surgical masks, because so many people bought some recently. The public authorities advised against wearing these masks and leave them to the medical staff.

3. Unlike in other countries, such as Japan, we are not used to wearing masks in public. But this could probably change, couldn’t it?

What do I say if someone gives me a funny look or even ask me about my mask? What if people think I’m infected because I wear a mask?

Currently many people feel anxious and are afraid of the coronavirus. And in The Gambia we are not used to wearing face masks. So please show some understanding for their initial reaction. We recommend explaining to them friendly why you are wearing the mask: because it protects. In fact, not you. But the others from you. It is a gesture of solidarity and caution. Everybody will understand that.

Am I better protected if I wear a mask?

According to the GARD there is no sufficient evidence that wearing a facial mask reduces the risk of infection for a healthy person.” But this is not about you. You wear a mask to protect others from you if you are already contagious. You don’t have to show any symptoms to spread the virus.

If masks do not protect, why should I wear one?

If you wear a mask, the focus is not on you. It is a matter of protecting others from you if you are already contagious. You don’t have to show any symptoms to spread the virus.

How is the coronavirus transmitted?

We are not experts or doctors. But we know this: Via droplet infection from those who already have the virus. So please always keep distance, avoid touching your face, wash your hands and, if possible, stay at home. You can find important information at the WHO or the CDC under https://www.who.int

How can you protect yourself from the coronavirus?

We are not experts or doctors. But we know this: The coronavirus is spread via droplet infection from those who already have the virus. So please always keep distance, wash your hands and, if possible, stay at home. You can find important information at the WHO or the CDC under https://www.who.int

What materials should I use?

Basically, many materials can be used to make a mask: Cloth from T-shirts or pillowcase, dish towels and kitchen paper, vacuum cleaner bags.

Here you can find a great overview on the following questions: Which materials keep out the virus best? Which solution is practical and effective? According to the study of Cambridge University, which mask should I use? Spoiler alert: The winners are the T-shirt and the pillowcase. https://smartairfilters.com/

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.