With active cases of COVID-19 back in the community, it is important that we all do our part to minimise the spread of germs and the risk of the virus spreading. One way of doing this is to wear a mask. 

In her address to the country last Wednesday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern asked that Aucklanders "please cover your face when leaving your home to access those services operating at level 3". 

"While we're not mandating their general use at this stage, we're strongly encouraging their use in the general Auckland region...You can fashion your own face covering if needed," she said.

At alert level 3, when people cannot maintain physical distancing of more than two metres, such as on public transport, at workplaces or in shops, face masks or face coverings are highly recommended. A face mask can help stop infectious droplets spreading when people speak, laugh, cough or sneeze. 

Disposable surgical masks are sold at most pharmacies, but stocks are limited since the announcement we would move into level three last week. World Travellers in Warkworth has bulk supplies of 50 masks for sale, if you are needing a large supply.

The other option are reusable fabric masks, which also have the added bonus of being kinder on the environment. The seamstresses in the community have been sewing up a storm, and a quick scroll through any of the community Facebook pages will give you plenty of options for buying some funky facemasks. You will also be supporting local makers, so it's a win-win. 

If you have some spare fabric lying around, you can apply some true Kiwi DIY DNA and make your own, using this helpful guide put together by Spotlight, or this clever video even shows you how to make no-sew masks from socks: https://www.facebook.com/777759765/videos/10158588526774766/.