Following the influx of tailor made face masks, Blantyre District Council plans to engage tailors to guide them on recommended materials and standards.

Speaking to Nyasatimes, the district’s director of planning and development Tamanya Harawa said tha tailors were making face masks for the less-privileged who cannot afford disposable ones, there was need to guide them on the required standards.

On the other hand, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends N-95 masks for being tested having high filtration, adequate breathability and optionally, fluid penetration resistance. These properties are key in choosing/making face masks.

Meanwhile WHO states that if you are healthy you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with COVID-19.

-Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.

-Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

-If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.