Want to help? If you're feeling crafty, here are a few patterns for making face masks to help supplement the short supply during the coronavirus pandemic.

Healthcare settings across the United States are experiencing a shortage of face masks, in light of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that, as a last resort, in situations where there are no other solutions available, homemade face masks can be used:

HCP use of homemade masks:
In settings where facemasks are not available, HCP might use homemade masks (e.g., bandana, scarf) for care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort. However, homemade masks are not considered PPE, since their capability to protect HCP is unknown. Caution should be exercised when considering this option. Homemade masks should ideally be used in combination with a face shield that covers the entire front (that extends to the chin or below) and sides of the face.

Some hospitals are even asking people to donate homemade face masks (be sure to check with the individual hospitals in your community to find out their specific needs and preferences). According to JOANN Fabrics, more than 10,000,000 face masks have already been made and donated.

Want to join the effort? You can!

Check out this tutorial from JOANN Fabric:

And this one from JOANN, using denim:

And here's a tutorial from sarahmaker.com:

Check out the post on sarahmaker.com for a free printable pattern and step-by-step instructions.

While using homemade masks is not ideal and won't prevent the spread of disease as effectively as a N95 filtration mask would, they're still better than nothing, and health care workers are appreciative.

Do you plan to help with the effort to make homemade face masks? Do you have any tips or patterns that you prefer? Tell us in the comments!