Wearing a covering is different to a medical mask that should be reserved for frontline workers: iStock
Wearing a covering is different to a medical mask that should be reserved for frontline workers: iStock

Ever since coronavirus began spreading across the world, there has been some debate on the use of face masks, including who should wear them and the benefits of them. The advice in England remains that the general public shouldn’t try to buy medical face masks, as these need to be reserved for frontline staff and key workers only.

However, it was recently announced that from 24 July, face coverings will be mandatory in all shops and supermarkets in England. People who don’t wear one will face a fine of up to £100, apart from people with medical conditions and children under 11.

On 14 July, Matt Hancock, the health secretary, said: “We want to give people more confidence to shop safely and enhance protections for those who work in shops,” while noting the disproportionate impact that the pandemic has had on shop workers.

“The death rate of sales and retail assistants is 75 per cent higher amongst men and 60 per cent higher amongst women than in the general population,” he said.

Since 15 June in England, it has been mandatory to wear a face covering on public transport, with the same exemptions applying, as well as people who lip-read.

In Scotland, it’s compulsory to wear one in shops and has been on public transport since June – including the Glasgow Subway, Edinburgh trams and taxis – except for people with certain medical conditions and children under five.

In Wales, face coverings will be mandatory on public transport from 27 July, including in taxis. The Welsh Government is also advising people to wear masks in crowded places where social distancing is not possible, but this is not compulsory. Face coverings are also compulsory on public transport in Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland.

Sir Venki Ramakrishnan, president of the UK’s national science academy, said everyone should carry a face covering when they leave home. “Not wearing a face covering should be regarded as ‘anti-social’ in the same way as drink driving or failing to wear a seatbelt,” he said.

Wearing a face covering will be even more important as lockdown measures start to lift, as from 4 July in England pubs, restaurants, hotels, cinemas, museums and art galleries started to reopen, and social distancing guidance has been reduced from 2m to 1m.

Uber has also made face coverings compulsory for customers and drivers, while taking additional safety measures such as regularly sanitising their cars. Customers will also be reminded to sit in the backseat only and to roll down the windows for ventilation.

The latest guidelines extend to hospitals, where all visitors and outpatients in England are advised to wear face coverings. Health staff will now wear surgical masks at all times. These coverings can be made from things you’ve already got at home, like an old T-shirt, or even a sports sock with just a few well-made snips with scissors and a little bit of sewing. But if you’re not so confident in your creative abilities, there are plenty of brands are creating their own too, which we’ve rounded up below.

What is the difference between a face covering and a medical face mask?

According to professor Trish Greenhalgh, professor of primary care health sciences at the University of Oxford, a medical face mask is designed to protect healthcare workers from germs emitted by sick patients.

“Many infections are spread by droplets, which are relatively large when they first come out as a cough or a sneeze but become much smaller as they travel through the air and become aerosolised. A medical mask must have a very fine weave because its job is to protect the wearer from tiny aerosolised particles,” she told The Independent.

A cloth face mask, however, works by blocking the bigger droplets before they become aerosolised. “Its job isn’t to protect the wearer but to block the source of infection (what’s known as ‘source control’). Woven fabrics like cotton are very good at source control but less good at protecting the wearer,” she says.

The government was clear in its guidelines that face coverings are not the same as a face mask such as the surgical masks or respirators used as part of personal protective equipment by healthcare and other workers, and it reiterated that these supplies must continue to be reserved for those who need it.

The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its guidelines on 5 June to recommend that governments ask everyone to wear fabric face masks in public areas where there is a risk of transmission of Covid-19, in order to help reduce the spread of the pandemic disease. However, it has stressed that face coverings are only one of a range of tools that can reduce the risk of viral transmission, and should not give a false sense of protection.

It’s also important to note that while valves are a common sight in some face coverings, avoid buying a face covering with a valve, as they do very little. Marisa Glucoft, director of infection prevention Children’s Hospital Los Angeles explained why they’re ineffective: “When you wear a mask with a valve, people around you are not protected because the valve lets all of your breath into the air.”

What are the benefits of wearing a homemade face covering?

“The main benefit is most of your germs will be caught in it, making you less of an infection risk to others. My mask protects you; yours protects me”, explains professor Greenhalgh.

“I think we will soon see more and more people wearing face coverings in public places and that these coverings will soon become a sign that it’s safe to interact,” she adds.

Dr Simon Clarke, associate professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading however, stresses that evidence of the effectiveness of wearing face masks to prevent spread of infection is limited.

“If not universally enforced as a recommendation it will do virtually nothing to prevent spread, and the risks of increasing infection might even outweigh the benefits,” he told The Independent, adding that mask-wearing is much less important than social distancing
measures and proper hand hygiene.

Who should be wearing a face covering?

The official advice from the government’s Covid-19 recovery strategy document explains that face coverings shouldn’t be worn by everyone.

“Face-coverings should not be used by children under the age of two, or those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly, for example primary age children unassisted, or those with respiratory conditions.”

​Wearing a face covering is going to be part of daily life, and although we can’t speak for the effectiveness of these mask coverings, we’ve rounded up some brands who are making their own.

You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.

While occasionwear fashion brand Needle & Thread is best known for its beautifully embroidered dresses, it has recently launched two face covering designs, costing £15 each.

Stylish and comfortable, this floral mask will look and feel nice (Needle &Thread)
Stylish and comfortable, this floral mask will look and feel nice (Needle &Thread)

It’s double-lined with elastic ear loops, with a pretty floral pattern. Each purchase also supports mothers2mothers, an organisation that is working to eliminate childhood Aids, with 50 per cent of all the profits going to their emergency Covid-19 appeal.

Visit Needle & Thread now

When shopping for a face mask, consider the 100% human face mask 5-pack (Everlane, £21) and stock up for your whole household in one order.

Buy a multipack so you never run out (Everlane)
Buy a multipack so you never run out (Everlane)

They’re made from a double-layer knit cotton with soft fabric straps. From every purchase, Everlane will be donating 10 per cent of the American Civil Liberties Union too as part of their 100% human collection, whose aim is to raise awareness of human rights issues.

Visit Everlane now

You can now buy these double-layered crepe fabric masks from online retailer Revolve, costing £20 for a pack of two.

There's an array of prints, colours and patterns to shop from when it comes to face masks (Revolve)
There’s an array of prints, colours and patterns to shop from when it comes to face masks (Revolve)

Available in brightly coloured patterns of flowers and polka dots, they also come with elasticated ear loops too.

Try this too shall pass protective face mask for £17 which has a reassuring embroidery messaging.

This sweet style has a comfortable fit and simple design (Revolve)
This sweet style has a comfortable fit and simple design (Revolve)

Made in double-layered cotton with elastic ear loops and an adjustable nose bridge, it’ll feel comfortable on the skin and look good too.

Revolve is home to many different designs too, such as pastel shades, tie-dye prints, monochrome stripes and leopard print, so if you have a preferred style, you’ll be sure to find one that suits you best while keeping you safe.

Visit Revolve now

Born in Hackney, Pucker Masks was created by three friends during lockdown, Nik, Joe and Cathy.

All its masks, costing £17, are made in colourful designs by UK seamstresses who have been out of work due to the coronavirus and are paid a living wage. The fabric is three layers of breathable cotton with a shaped nose and chin, adjustable nose bridge and a pocket which you can insert a filter if you wish.

Colourful and fun, these comfortable cotton masks are an eye-catching, feel-good purchase (Pucker)
Colourful and fun, these comfortable cotton masks are an eye-catching, feel-good purchase (Pucker)

It’s also donating 25 per cent of all profits made to three charities; Mind, Refuge and Crisis.

Visit Pucker Masks now

If you’re looking to buy a multipack this Lost + Wander 3 pack face covering (Shopbo, £23.90) offers three assorted fabric designs with varying prints.

Choose from breathable linen or soft cotton and rayon materials (Shopbop)
Choose from breathable linen or soft cotton and rayon materials (Shopbop)

There’s a cotton style, rayon and rayon and linen, each with elastic straps to keep them securely in place.

Visit Shopbop now

Contemporary British womenswear brand Isabel Manns works with sustainably conscious seamstresses who ensure the fabric is cut to minimise waste for their scarves, dresses, jumpsuits and more. All are reversible too.

You can still be stylish while staying safe, thanks to the many fun designs available (Isabel Manns)
You can still be stylish while staying safe, thanks to the many fun designs available (Isabel Manns)

It has since created vibrant lines cotton masks for £12 in three varying colours, in different pinks and blue with elastic ear loops and room to add in a filter if you choose.

Visit Isabel Manns now

This UK-based charity has teamed up with 10 artists, including Camille Walala and Mike Perry to create reversible, reusable and washable face masks for £19 each or £79 for a pack of 5.

Its #masksformeals campaign has been set up for 100 per cent of its net profits from the masks sold, to be sent to Refugee Community Kitchen to help them feed the UK’s homeless.

Buy your mask and give to a good cause with these unique designs created by some the world's top artists (Migrate Art)
Buy your mask and give to a good cause with these unique designs created by some the world’s top artists (Migrate Art)

Each mask is double-layered and made in breathable 100 per cent cotton.

This Midlands-based casual wear label has designed face coverings to buy from £9.99, having diverted its manufacturing process to create a range of different styles.

The brand is donating the profits of some of the kids' multipacks to the NHS (Just Hype)
The brand is donating the profits of some of the kids’ multipacks to the NHS (Just Hype)

They come in varying machine washable prints, such as camo and tie-dye, and can be bought individually or in packs of three.

Made in sizes for both adults and kids, some packs for the latter donate all profits to the NHS, too.

Visit Just Hype now

The health and beauty retailer is selling reusable face masks that give back during the pandemic.

For every covering sold, 30 per cent of the profits will be split equally between its five charity partners, which include domestic abuse charities Women’s Aid and Refuge, and breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel!

These face coverings give back to charity (Avon)
These face coverings give back to charity (Avon)

Available in a pale blue or geometric pattern, the ply cotton masks cost £3.50 each and are machine washable at 40C. You can also purchase them in bundles, as Avon offers three for £9 and five for £14 deals.

Visit Avon now

Known for its high quality silk eye masks and pillows that protect your skin and hair as you sleep, this luxury brand has turned its hand to face coverings.

Available in four designs black, leopard print, blush pink and lip print the mask is crafted from 100 per cent mulberry silk.

These coverings are made from mulberry silk (Slip)
These coverings are made from mulberry silk (Slip)

It features adjustable ear straps which make for a comfier fit, and an adjustable nose wire inside to keep the covering secure.

At £39 each, they are pricey, but you’re paying for the premium materials which will make these masks last.

Visit SpaceNK now

This brand is headed up by 27-year-old freelance theatre prop maker and set designer, Alice Cox, who started creating bespoke face masks from old designer fabrics from her spare room in Kennington, London.

She has designed them with a pocket large enough to fit a filter and non-elastic band that will minimise irritation around your ears.

There's a space to put a reusable filter inside this mask (Alice Cox)
There’s a space to put a reusable filter inside this mask (Alice Cox)

To place an order, email your choice of colour and material to alicecoxcre
[email protected]
. One mask will cost you £10, unless you want the liberty-printed style, which is £15.

Visit Alice Cox Creative now

This London-based fashion designer and label, Florence Bridge, creates contemporary womenswear pieces with a sustainability focus at its centre.

In light of the coronavirus outbreak, the brand has created unisex face masks for £12 in a myriad of colours, prints and fabrics, which are machine washable.

Each one has a 100 per cent cotton lining for maximum comfort against your skin.

These are made with a cotton lining to prevent it irritating your skin (Florence Bridge)
These are made with a cotton lining to prevent it irritating your skin (Florence Bridge)

A portion of profits from the sale of the masks will be going to Fuel Our Frontline charity, who are delivering essential groceries to hospital workers around the UK.

Visit Florence Bridge now

Manchester-based apparel brand, Wawa Clothing, has diverted its production towards making face masks made from 100 per cent organic ripstop cotton.

This brand uses thick ripstop cotton (Wawa Clothing)
This brand uses thick ripstop cotton (Wawa Clothing)

It’s washable, can be kept securely around your mouth and nose with the elastic loops and the label is made from recycled polyester.

They are available in black or forest green and cost £12.

Visit Wawa Clothing now

For £13, Good Ordering is selling reusable face covers made from two layers of 100 per cent natural fabric, with at least one layer that is densely woven for more protection and elastic straps, which also allows you to insert a filter on the inside. They’re currently sold out, but you can leave your email here to be contacted when they become available again.

With elastic ear loops, this mask will stay securely fitted to your face (Good Ordering)
With elastic ear loops, this mask will stay securely fitted to your face (Good Ordering)

The face covers come in one size for adults, but you can request extra-large as well as children’s sizes. They are also selling filters too, which you can buy here.

All the fabrics used to make the face covers are made from recycled or remnants of material in collaboration with a local costume professional, and while it washes the fabrics at a high temperature before production, Good Ordering advises to wash the product before use too.

Visit Good Ordering here

Here you can buy a four-pack of masks for £15 and even design your own artwork to decorate them. If you’re not feeling creative, you can also shop designs that are already made.

The masks are available in small, medium, large or extra-large – so pick the size you want and you’ll get four of the same in your pack.

You can design your own mask, or pick from already made prints (Contrado)
You can design your own mask, or pick from already made prints (Contrado)

The brand advises to wash the masks after each use, at 60 degrees.

It describes the fabric of the masks as high-quality and breathable, lasting up to 100 washes, but advises not to tumble dry.

Visit Contrado now

Luxury womenswear label, Plumo, has made protective masks costing £10 each, with four layers of organic linen, which the brand uses for its naturally antibacterial properties, as it’s not an easy environment for germs to breed in

Germs find it harder to breed in linen, making it a good fabric for a face covering (Plumo)
Germs find it harder to breed in linen, making it a good fabric for a face covering (Plumo)

Available in 19 different colours and prints, they can be washed at 90 degrees and are reusable.

For every mask sold, Plumo is donating to Masks for NHS Heroes, a crowdfunding campaign raising money to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect healthcare workers.

Visit Plumo now

If you want bold, colourful designs for your face covering, head to Newt, which has designed reusable, washable face masks in its signature fun prints on biodegradable fabrics.

The material has a tight weave like cotton, but absorbs moisture better than cotton does.

Each design is reversible too (Newt)
Each design is reversible too (Newt)

All its masks are made for adults, have adjustable ear straps and are reversible too.

There’s six designs and each one is £15.

Visit Newt now

Husband and wife duo, Tim and Ara, are behind Aeibe, creating filtered face masks for £45.

It follows scuppered plans for a new collection with material coming from Italy before the coronavirus hit, so Tim and Ara got creative and sourced fabric from Liberty of London instead. The result are pretty floral patterned masks that add a bit of fun to trying times.

Aeibe have designed its masks using vibrant fabrics from Liberty of London with built-in filters (Aeibe)
Aeibe have designed its masks using vibrant fabrics from Liberty of London with built-in filters (Aeibe)

Every mask is made in England with 100 per cent cotton lining and 100 per cent non-woven polypropylene filters from Korea on the inside. It also has a soft nose clip to help it shape to your face and stretchy ear loops to keep it secure.

They also come with a cotton bag to keep it safe when you’re not wearing it and a spare filter.

Just make sure to remove your filter and hand wash it at 30 degrees before you put the mask in the washing machine.

Visit Aeibe now

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