Have you started to notice more internet avatars wearing masks? There’s a reason for that.

Experts have increasingly acknowledged that the public use of masks could help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and the CDC is reportedly considering recommending wearing face coverings in public. The White House is also expected to urge Americans to wear face coverings when they leave their homes.

Accordingly, the movement #Masks4All has taken off online as more and more people make and wear homemade masks to wear in public. Jeremy Howard is behind the #Masks4all site, and the movement was started by Petr Ludwig in the Czech Republic. 😷

Of course, it’s important to remember that staying at home and social distancing should remain as a first line of defense against the spread of coronavirus, but masks may be helpful for when you need to leave the house for essential items like groceries.

How you can participate in the movement:

• Visit the #Masks4All site to learn more and to learn about how to make a mask at home 
• Share your mask photo and/or join the conversation on social media using #masks4all 
• Automatically photoshop a mask onto your social media profiles. 

This Twitter Mask tool is especially helpful for that last step.

“Yes, there is a shortage of manufactured masks, and these should go to hospital workers. But anyone can make a mask at home by cutting up a cotton T-shirt, tying it back together and then washing it at the end of the day. Another approach, recommended by the Hong Kong Consumer Council, involves rigging a simple mask with a paper towel and rubber bands that can be thrown in the trash at the end of each day.” - Twitter Mask Maker Lisha Li

And if you have spare N95 masks, please send them to healthcare workers on the frontlines who need them. Mask Match is a great resource for donating.

“Every order and gift card matters at a time when restaurants are struggling to weather the lockdown. There will be closures. There will be layoffs. Sustaining them through these next few weeks can make or break the neighborhood business you’ve grown with.” 

Browse restaurants around you that are open for pickup or delivery. 👈