With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to rage on closer to home than ever and a six-week lockdown enforced across all of metropolitan Melbourne, you could be forgiven for feeling fairly disheartened about the state of our hometown (and the rest of the world). However, throughout history, humans have bravely conquered adversity time and time again, and hopefully this pandemic will prove to be no different. While we have witnessed the chaos of panic buying and the disappointment of political mismanagement throughout this time, there have also been incredible moments of kindness, compassion and empathy. Renewed commitments to supporting local businesses and looking out for the elderly and vulnerable members of our society have become more prevalent than ever, and perhaps from this crisis, we will emerge a stronger, more unified community determined to make the world a better place. With this in mind, HEW Clothing is excited to offer reusable masks constructed from ultra-soft cotton and linen and featuring exclusive prints from previous collaborations. Wearing a mask outside of your home will become mandatory in Melbourne from midnight Wednesday 22nd July for the foreseeable future, which, while daunting, also provides a unique opportunity to express yourself as you would another piece of clothing.
So, how does one wear a fabric mask? While our HEW Clothing masks are not guaranteed to protect you against the Coronavirus, they will act as a reliable barrier that will effectively prevent you from touching your face while being worn, and will also help protect others from any fluids you may be expelling as you go about your daily activities. But in order for the masks to work, they need to be worn properly and always combined with other measures to protect yourself and those around you. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the following steps are required for safe and proper mask-wearing:
- Clean your hands with soap and water before putting it on.
- Check the mask before wearing to ensure it is clean and undamaged.
- Cover your mouth, nose and chin with the mask, leaving no gaps at the sides. It will not be effective if your nose is peeking out at the top!
- Try your best to avoid touching the mask once it is on your face.
- Change your mask if it becomes dirty or wet.
- To remove the mask, wash hands with soap and water first and do not remove from the front, only from the straps behind your ears (or behind your head for a HEW Clothing mask).
- Keep the mask away from your face as you remove it, and then clean your hands once again.
- Store your reusable, fabric mask in a clean, resealable bag to protect it and remove it by the straps.
- It is recommended to wash fabric masks in soap or detergent and hot water at least once a day (more on this below).
- Remember, a mask alone cannot protect you. Staying home and maintaining social distancing when out will also help to stop the spread!
. 
For our fabulous HEW Clothing masks, we recommend washing on a hot wash and using a hot iron (with clean hands of course) before putting it on for the day. Our masks have been designed as a one-size-fits-all (with a smaller option for children) that feature high quality elastic for the bands that can easily be tied for a better fit (as these are not medical grade, a very tight seal should not be expected). They also feature three layers of fabric –two of which comprise tightly woven cotton and the third a soft inner layer of either cotton or linen. The front and back of the mask is identifiable based on the printed fabrics and there is an inner pocket should you wish to insert an air filter. Proudly made in Melbourne, these gorgeous masks will help you comply with the laws coming into effect, reduce your waste by eliminating the need for disposable masks and also allow you to self-express freely.
Stay safe everyone and wear a mask!
