DIY virus protection: Hong Kongers making own masks amid shortages

Faced with shortages, professional factories to seamstresses churn out coverings

Published: February 21, 2020 14:03 AFP and Compiled by Nathaniel Lacsina, Digital Content Producer

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Hong Kong: With chronic face mask shortages in the midst of a virus outbreak, Hong Kongers have started making their own - with a pop-up production line and seamstresses churning them out on sewing machines. Image Credit: AFP

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In one of the most densely populated cities on earth, face masks have become hot property as people scramble for protection against the new deadly coronavirus. Image Credit: AFP

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Long queues - sometimes thousands strong - routinely crop up outside pharmacies when supplies are in. Some are turning to DIY solutions - albeit of questionable quality. Image Credit: AFP

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While Hong Kong's economy reels, business has been brisk on one street in the working-class Sham Shui Po district that boasts many fabric and tailoring shops. Image Credit: AFP

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A colourful array of cloth masks hangs outside many of the cramped storefronts as shoppers haggle over the din of whirring sewing machines. Image Credit: AFP

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Elase Wong, a tailor, said she was giving away her face mask sewing design. "Some people couldn't buy any masks... So if they can make them themselves, that would be great," said Wong. "I hope everyone can achieve self-sufficiency." Image Credit: AFP

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The cost of masks has skyrocketed with scarcity and the government resisting price controls or rationing, as in nearby Macau and Taiwan. Image Credit: AFP

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A set of 50 simple surgical masks can sell for up to HK$300 ($40), while the top of the range N95 variety is going for as high as HK$1,800 a box. Image Credit: AFP

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Since SARS, which Beijing initially covered up, Hong Kongers have embraced higher communal hygiene standards and face masks have long been a common sight, especially during the winter flu season. Image Credit: AP

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Joseph Kwan, a public health expert from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, said widespread mask use during SARS also lowered cases of the common cold that year. Image Credit: AP

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In a tightly packed city like Hong Kong, new viruses will "spread like wildfire if nobody wears a mask", he said. "It would be a public health disaster". Image Credit: AP

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A newly-completed mask made out of patterned material at a shop in Hong Kong. Image Credit: AFP

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