Governments have downplayed the value of face masks because they could not provide them. Natural reaction: If we, big government, can't supply something, it clearly has no worth.
I'm not into handicrafts but will have to read this carefully.
http://joannenova.com.au/2020/04/make-your-own-mask-diy-no-sew-2-minute-and-high-quality-sewn-hepa-options/#comment-2304686
