Stay Safe, Stay Home, and Use a Mask

By now, nearly everyone has heard about or knows someone affected by the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Thanks to swift measures taken by a number of state governments, we’re all doing our part to help #FlattenTheCurve and keep our communities safe. While the virus can be fatal, fortunately, it’s pretty easy to stay safe if you just follow a few guidelines. 

Need a Mask? We've Got You Covered

At Left Coast Original, we’re doing our part to help our customers, their families, and their communities stay safe by producing high-quality face masks. Here are a few ways you can do your part and help fight the spread of the coronavirus.

Turn to Reliable Sources

There’s a lot to be said for the many uses of social media, but it’s not always the best source for information. Especially in emotionally charged times like these, it’s easy for rumors to get spread quickly. That’s why it’s important to turn to trusted and authoritative sources for your information. If you haven’t already, make sure to check out the Center for Disease Control’s website. You’ll find easy to read information about how you can help to slow the spread, learn more about the symptoms of COVID-19, and the best practices for keeping yourself safe.

Another great resource is the World Health Organization. This global organization is helping to coordinate the world’s response to the crisis. The WHO offers advice for the public as well as guidance for tricky topics like traveling during the pandemic.

Know Thy Foe

Knowledge is power as the saying goes, and that’s especially true now. As of the time of writing, there is currently no known vaccine for the COVID-19 virus. That means it’s up to you to take your health seriously. By learning how it spreads, you can minimize your risk of exposure.

Scientists believe that the virus is communicated from person-to-person, and can move between people when they are close to one another. When someone with the virus coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets can be released into the air and spread to others. These droplets transmit the virus when they land in the mouths or noses of other people. There are studies that also suggest that the virus can be spread by those who do not show symptoms.

With all that in mind, here are some simple steps you can take to stay safe!

Clean Your Hands Carefully and Often

Way back in kindergarten you might have been taught that to thoroughly clean your hands, you need to use soap and water, and scrub and rinse for the time it takes you to sing “Happy birthday” a few times. Well, that advice carries into adulthood too. Experts recommend that you wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after being in public spaces, or after you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose. You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. If you don’t have access to soap and water, a hand sanitizer that uses at least 60% alcohol works too.

Stay Home (If You Can)

If you have the option of working from home, please do so! One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the disease is to simply distance yourself from others as much as you can. Only go out for essential supplies like groceries. If you do have to go out for work, do your best to put as much distance between yourself and others as possible.

Wear a Mask

There are a lot of misconceptions about why and when you should wear a mask. 

Many assume that wearing a mask is to keep them from getting the virus. In reality, it’s to keep you from spreading it as quickly to others. The face masks are to protect those around you. That might not make sense at first glance but think of it this way.

Since it’s not always obvious who has the virus if everyone wears a mask while in public, it limits the spread of the disease. It’s essentially a two-way barrier. Your mask protects others from you, and their mask protects you from them.

But what kind of mask should you use? Right now, it’s important to donate any medical-grade masks to healthcare workers, who need specialized equipment to keep them safe. 

If you’re just going out to the grocery store, or taking a walk, experts agree, a simple cloth mask is enough. Left Coast Original has made a cloth mask that is designed to fit snugly over your face. It can even be fitted with a filter pouch if you choose to use one. These masks are made with tricot fabric and are cut to contour to your nose and mouth. Made with medium-weight spandex, they stretch easily to fit a variety of face shapes and can be washed and dried easily.

We recognize that times are challenging, both emotionally, physically, and mentally right now. That’s why we’ve made these masks affordable for everyone. You can visit the Left Coast Original Etsy page to purchase our new cloth masks for yourself.