It seems like facemasks have gone from seeming like a silly overreaction to a pandemic necessity. Though quarantine restrictions are slowly lifting and cities are starting to reopen, face masks appear to be here to stay. The CDC, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, still recommends all of us to wear cloth face coverings to slow the spread of coronavirus in places where it can be hard to stay 6 feet away from others, like grocery stores, pharmacies, or on public transportation.
But why are face masks so important, even when it seems like quarantine is nearing its end? As explained by the CDC, when someone who has COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or talks, they send tiny droplets with the coronavirus into the air. Covering your mouth and nose with a mask can block the release of virus-filled droplets into the air when you cough or sneeze. This helps slow the spread of COVID-19. Though a cloth face mask won’t totally block the coronavirus, it provides an added layer of protection for you and the people around you, making it a necessary precaution for the foreseeable future. Update: California mask mandates ends February 15, 2022.
But to ensure enough crucial supplies for our heroic healthcare workers, the CDC does not want the rest of us using surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Luckily several designers and companies have pivoted their production to make and sell non-medical grade face masks online, including our partners at PQ Swim.
The swimwear line PQ has repurposed its production lines, materials, and resources at this time to combat the spread of the virus by creating colorful and cute face coverings that are washable and reusable. The masks are available in a variety of stylish colors and patterns, including tie-dye, polka-dot, and lace. All the proceeds from the PQ Swim MasQini Face Masks ($12 each) will go to help pay their employees and as donations to critical charities. These masks have been featured in Oprah Winfrey magazine and on PopSugar.
These face masks are sure to make the perfect summer accessory or gift!