San Mateo County Health Officer Dr. Scott Morrow has issued a new public health order requiring members of the public and workers at essential businesses to wear face coverings outside the home for certain activities and in places of business, which is intended to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Under the order, face coverings need to cover the nose and mouth. Scarves, home-sewn fabric coverings, bandanas, a “DIY” mask from an old T-shirt and neck gaiters are examples of acceptable face coverings, especially because they can be washed after each use and worn again. Purchased masks may also be used but should not be medical grade, such as N95 respirators, which are in short supply and should be reserved for health care workers.

How do you make your own mask? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created step-by-step instructions for sew and no-sew face coverings.