Make and distribute masks for free or reduced costs

There have been suggestions to make masks mandatory in confined places like buses and shops where it is hard to distance, but the cost and process of getting them might be a high barrier for many. Masks could be made by companies or community groups and distributed so that it is not too expensive and or otherwise difficult for people to protect each other. This is already happening in some places, but wider government support (especially around communications) and logistics could help this along.

Why the contribution is important

Masks are proven to reduce spread of infection, but there are currently a few barriers to widespread use of them: cost and societal norms. A concerted effort of making them available and reinforcing the need would lower those barriers and increase adoption of masks in everyday use.

by audramerrick on May 06, 2020 at 02:30PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.2
Based on: 13 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Tgc80 May 06, 2020 at 15:28

    Yes we should be looking at being able to provide masks to the general population

  • Posted by Villager1 May 06, 2020 at 15:28

    Decide on a "best option" mask design and mass produce in Scotland and make available widely at cost price.

  • Posted by william May 06, 2020 at 15:32

    I agree. If we asked to wear face masks then they need to be provided. There are many needy families who go to Food Banks as they cannot afford food so how would they afford a mask for the family.

  • Posted by Celiaskelton May 06, 2020 at 15:33

    This would be helpful. My husband is being shielded and we are only leaving the house for hospital appointments. I have been unable to source masks yet, but would prefer to wear one.

  • Posted by MaryScott May 06, 2020 at 15:39

    I think this would be of great benefit to supply public with masks and more likely to get compliance and not everyone has access to internet to buy masks and we have to consider possible online scams and profiteering, other countries have be handing out masks in public areas. This could be done at bus, train station and at entrance to supermarkets and shops where social distancing is difficult

  • Posted by MaryScott May 06, 2020 at 15:39

    I think this would be of great benefit to supply public with masks and more likely to get compliance and not everyone has access to internet to buy masks and we have to consider possible online scams and profiteering, other countries have be handing out masks in public areas. This could be done at bus, train station and at entrance to supermarkets and shops where social distancing is difficult

  • Posted by Bspence May 06, 2020 at 15:39

    This is a good idea. In the meantime, people with very basic sewing skills can make temporary masks for them and their families

  • Posted by jenny333 May 06, 2020 at 17:26

    The problem, is breathing on people in confined spaces like buses and trains. 99% and 95% can be filtered with very expensive medical masks, which are disposable and have limited access for the public. They even wear shields and goggles as well. So even at best, there is still some risk. Other masks filter virtually nothing. They may catch some of the droplets of coughing and sneezing, but these people should not be out anyway. I am not sure if they would filter any of the droplets of talking, but it is the breathing that is the problem. That is why social distancing is better.

  • Posted by DevVeh May 06, 2020 at 17:40

    There is a global shortage of face masks though. Sufficient quantity of face masks just dont exist

  • Posted by emem6 May 07, 2020 at 09:36

    It is highly likely (following procedures in other countries currently easing out of lockdown) the use of some sort of face mask will be mandatory in certain circumstances. Many people cannot buy face masks (even simple cloth ones) either because of cost or becasue of difficulties shopping at the moment. There are many simple designs available. As previous posters have suggested, a couple of designs could be recommended, and people can make their own. Anyone who has the materials, time and inclination could make extra, either for neighbours or for delivery to central points where they can be distributed to those who cannot access their own.

  • Posted by Fionabr64 May 07, 2020 at 16:48

    Hong Kong have just arranged to give free washable highly effective masks to everyone and a selection of disposable masks. Wearing masks needs to become completely normal accepted practice until/if we get a vaccine. We must have clothes etc manufacturing plants in Scotland that can make 7 million masks- restart this part of the economy and give everyone at least one renewable mask.
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