SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- A new county order recommending residents cover their faces in public goes into effect April 4th.
They're encouraging everyone to save professional masks for our healthcare workers and for everyone else to get creative.
Mia Linson has spent weeks making homemade masks for healthcare workers. Now, she's teaching others how to make their own.
"It's pretty quick once you get it," said Linson. "I'm happy to help I'm happy to teach." Linson's brother is also working to make face shields.
PHOTOS: Step-by-step: How to sew your own face mask
All you need for the masks is some fabric, elastic and the ability to sew -- a skill many people need now more than ever to protect themselves.
The professional grade masks are already in short supply for healthcare workers who need it most. But, Mia shows us you can get creative with your own materials, and a step-by-step guide on how to put them together.
It starts with a pattern, some folding, and sewing along the dotted lines.
No sewing kit? No problem! How to make a mask without sewing:
"The more people I can teach the better off we will be," said Linson.
And others have the same idea. The line outside Jo-Ann Fabrics in Midway on Friday was wrapped around the block.
Deborah Logan runs a business, so she's making masks for her workers.
"They’re allowing us to buy two packs of elastic which I bought," said Logan. "And I'm improvising with some Velcro and some tape for the straps."
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So, whether you're a skillful seamstress or an amateur with a needle and threat, the homemade asks add an extra layer of protection, and for now, they're here to stay.
"I really want to be able to make a difference," said Linson. "I want to go into health care one day. Knowing that a kid like me can help without even being a doctor is so important. I feel like we all need to help each other right now."
As of April 3, 2020, the CDC has not released official guidance on what materials or pattern to use for homemade masks.
For a video tutorial from Jo-Ann Fabrics, click here.
