Make it, wear it, wash it

In a bid to reduce the spread of Coronavirus, the European Communicable Disease Centre and the UK Government are asking you to consider wearing a face covering when in enclosed public spaces.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council have been working hard with partners to provide the latest information to all who live and work within the borough during this pandemic.

With businesses reopening and other changes to social distancing measures, it will be more likely that you will come into contact with more people.

By wearing a face covering you are protecting those around you and helping to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

We want to encourage those who need to travel or spend time in enclosed public spaces to wear a face covering. However, it is important to know that a face covering does not replace the need to keep to the social distancing guidelines and that you should still wash your hands as often as possible.

Watch our short video on how you can make your own face covering with a simple piece of fabric:

Dominic Harrison, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Director of Public Health, said:

Members of the public wearing cloth facemasks should not need to wear the same surgical masks or respirators used by the NHS, healthcare providers and other workers as part of their personal protective equipment. These clinical PPE resources are scarce and should be preserved as far as possible for those at clinical risk.
You can make a simple face covering at home with a scarf or piece of fabric and this is enough to help stop the spread of the virus from one person to another.

By wearing a face covering you are protecting those around you and therefore playing your part in stopping the spread of coronavirus.

Councillor Mohammed Khan, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

I have seen so many people wearing medical masks but it is simply not required outside of a healthcare setting.

There are plenty of easy guides that you can follow to make your own face covering at home. These can then be washed and reused each time you go out.

Guides on making a face covering can be found here:

• UK Government – how to make your own face mask
• BBC – DIY face covering
• The Guardian – DIY non-medical mask

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you and your household must isolate at home – wearing a face covering does not change this.

Find all the latest government guidance on staying safe outside of the home here.