A very quick video about a DIY face mask solution. For people for whom manufactured masks are not currently available. NOT for Medical Professionals.

An Alternative to the traditional face mask. A PSA. from Kirk Tuck on Vimeo.

So, I've done some research and it's pretty apparent now that everyone in north America (and probably everywhere else for right now) should be wearing a face mask every time they go out of their home. Not just sick people or people caring for sick people, but everyone.

In Laredo, Texas face masks are required by law!!! Go Laredo!!!

At any rate, I won't go on and on about "why" but I did want to make and show you a very short and low tech video about my current solution ---- until such a time as I can buy a ready made mask or two...

We'll all look like banditos for a while but then that could be pretty cool.

If you want to see the video bigger and better you can click through and watch it on the Vimeo site.

I'm not selling anything and this should not be construed as professional, medical advice. I'm just sharing my stop gap solution to an ongoing potential problem. The paper towel in between layers is of vital importance in increasing the protection of this zany construct. Sorry for the ham-fisted edit but... now hearing that the blue shop towels (thicker paper towels) are better because they are less porous. Use one of them folded over instead!!!) But just about everything is better than nothing. Just remember to treat the shop paper towel as a single use and to wash your cloth mask everyday (or more often depending on usage). 

The stretchy things I'm using are made by a company called, Buff, and they are also sometimes sold under the "National Geographic" label. I buy them over at REI. If you have a sewing machine a a bit of stretchy cloth you could probably make one at home in about five minutes. If I tried to sew one by hand it could take five days.

That's all. I'm just excited to have a reason to use my video stuff. Stay safe.

Be kind and generous and maybe someone will be equally nice to you.

KT

Note: This post got posted a couple hours after my "more interesting and less serious" post of the day about buying Leica's. If you missed it please go back and check it out. I worked on it just for YOU.