It’s been more than a month since I posted this DIY bandana mask on my Instagram. Let me tell you … I did NOT expect it to go viral.  The reason why I posted this tutorial was because I learned that a lot of people around the world did not have a mask or couldn’t buy one.

I’d be lying if I told you I was not at all thrilled that Hollywood celebrities like Viola Davis, Shonda Rhimes, Deborah Cox,  Kerry Washington, Jared Leto, etc. shared my video on their social media platforms. I even got some emails from TV networks from the US asking for a Skype interview. Family members and some followers also told me that they’ve seen my video on the news abroad and on Facebook groups. I’ve been getting messages from all over the world — France, Lebanon, Indonesia, Italy … wow!🤯

I never really posted much about this and also declined the interviews because I felt it was not a good time to self-promote.  The video has already helped so many and that is enough for me.  That has always been my intention from the very beginning.  I’m just talking about it now here because, well, this is kind of like my online diary so … 🤷🏻‍♀️ please indulge me and  allow me to document this wonderful memory.

Anyway, here’s the video and the original caption …

MARCH 22, 2020
(upload date on Instagram)

Only use as a last resort when no other masks are available. It’s not an N95 (let’s leave those for the frontliners) but I guess it’s better than nothing. Also, this DOES NOT replace social distancing, staying at home, washing yours hands, and not touching your face.

Bandana (or handkerchief or piece of cloth) + hair ties. That’s all you need. So easy! Whoever invented this … Thank you!

ADDITIONAL INFO: you can insert 2 layers of blue shop towels to reinforce the filtration capabilities. Or use a “non-woven cloth” in the middle of the mask like wet tissues that are dried to act as a filter. Someone also suggested coffee filters, gauze, air condition filter, or vacuum bag with HEPA filter. Stay safe

#masks4all

Be safe and well!