WHY : With the shortage of N95 masks, medical healthcare providers (MHP) have been forced/asked to reuse their masks. This is neither recommended nor wise as not only is the MHP placed in a dangerous situation, the MHP becomes a potential distributor of the virus.

WHAT : 
There is a movement in the sewing community to help produce sown masks to help citizens and MHP with mask shortages. Though the CDC says that DIY masks should be used as a last resort, there has been effort to research on best material and filter options to improve the efficacy surpassing just simple scarves and bandanas. In fact, this post based on research done by scientists at Cambridge University shows the best recommendation for a better than 50% protection as well as best breathability with material available to citizen makers. As a result, MHP are reaching out to makers for these DIY masks as a supplement or "cover" to existing N95 masks as an aid to allow for more sanitary re-use protocols. 

HOW : The FreeSewing community launched by an individual referred to as Joost has shared a PDF pattern that many are using to create a significant volume of to share back to the community. These are mainly makers who are proficient in sewing. They use the pattern to properly size the and trim to the material then sew together to either provide a pocket for a filter insert or use as is over an exiting N95 mask so that the fabric mask can be laundered for reuse while the N95 can be used through out the day with fresh fabric mask covers. There are even video tutorials around and variations that are sized for covering a larger portion of the face.

WHO:

• The most common one is through the Free Sewing community. 
• Another from Jocelyn Songer:  Community Pleated Masks

License : Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)