For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the WHO website.
Now that states are reopening businesses, officials are recommending or requiring that people wear face masks or cloth coverings when entering businesses. Covering the nose and mouth is part of a nationwide effort to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which transmits easily from coughs and sneezes and from droplets in your breath.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention already recommends wearing a face covering when you're in crowded public places where social distancing isn't possible, like the supermarket. Wearing a nonmedical face mask doesn't exempt you from physical and social distancing. After all, nonmedical masks may not prevent you from acquiring COVID-19, which is why other precautions are so important. You should also continue wearing a face mask even if you've recovered from the virus, since immunity from the disease hasn't been confirmed.
CNET Coronavirus Update
Keep track of the coronavirus pandemic.
If making your own face mask or face covering at home isn't for you, there are some options when it comes to buying a premade, nonmedical face mask, and some things to look for when buying one. We'll keep updating this list as we learn of new stores and sources.
Here are some options for buying face masks and cloth coverings online.
Help limit the spread of coronavirus by wearing a face mask in crowded public places.
the_burtons/Getty Images
What to look for in a nonmedical face mask you buy
When shopping for masks, look for one that's made from cotton and has a filter pouch -- a thicker material or designs with more layers might trap larger particles you accidentally eject through talking, coughing or sneezing.
The mask you buy needs to be wide enough to cover your nose and chin, and should be snug enough not to create gaps. A tight fit will help keep out large particles that travel through the air, like from sneezes. For example, medical-grade masks comes in sizes.
Remember to wash the mask before putting it on. You might want to buy multiple masks so that you always have a clean one on hand -- you'll need to wash it whenever you get home after going out in public.
#DYK? CDC's recommendation on wearing a cloth face covering may help protect the most vulnerable from #COVID19. Watch @Surgeon_General Jerome Adams make a face covering in a few easy steps. website pic.twitter.com/mE7Tf6y3MK
— CDC (@CDCgov) April 4, 2020
Now playing: Watch this: See the new face mask that might solve shortages
8:11
Disney
Disney Disney is officially selling face masks, including The Avengers and Baby Yoda masks. They come in sets of four for $20. The company will donate all mask profits (up to $1 million) to MedShare.
See at Disney
Swim Spot
Swim Spot, a swimsuit company, is now making face masks. You can buy a 5-pack for $10, up to a 100-pack for $250.
See at Swim Spot
Emilia George
Emilia George Emilia George, a maternity wear brand, is now producing face masks made from 100% cupro. The masks cost $10 each and come in a variety of colors.
See at Emilia George
Christy Dawn
Christy Dawn Fashion brand Christy Dawn is now making face masks in its Los Angeles factory. For each five-pack sold (starting at $30), the company is donating a five-pack to others in need. The masks are made from 100% doubled deadstock cotton.
See at Christy Dawn
Hot Topic
Hot Topic Hot Topic is selling face masks and cloth coverings, with themes ranging from Billie Eilish to '90s sitcom Friends.
See at Hot Topic
Radian Jeans
Radian Jeans Radian Jeans is now manufacturing face masks. The masks are made from two layers of knit jersey fabric and come in packs of five for $25.
See at Radian Jeans
Kenny Flowers
Kenny Flowers Kenny Flowers makes beachy face masks. For every mask you buy, one will be donated to Bali to help those in need.
See at Kenny Flowers
Threadless
Threadless Threadless masks consist of three-ply polyester with a built-in wire that forms to your nose. The company is donating 100% of the net proceeds to MedShare.
See at Threadless
Tilit
Tilit Tilit, a New York City-based hospitality workwear brand, has started making face masks from recycled hemp and organic cotton blend. For every mask bought, the company is donating a mask to a food service worker volunteering or a medical professional in need.
See at Tilit
SubZero Masks
SubZero Masks is donating one mask to an at-risk person in need for each mask purchased. The masks are 100% cotton.
See at SubZero Masks
41 Winks
41 Winks 41 Winks, an eye mask company, is now using its factory to create face masks. The masks are made from two layers of cotton fabric and one layer of polyethylene filter with an adjustable nose bridge. Currently sold out.
See at 41 Winks
Vistaprint
Vistaprint Vistaprint is now making face masks for adults and kids. The masks have a Vistaprint-exclusive Replaceable Nanofilter System.
See at Vistaprint
Rendall Co.
Rendall Co. Rendall Co. is a Los Angeles based workwear brand that's now using its resources to make face masks from two layers of woven cotton with built-in pockets to add your own filter. For every mask sold, the company is donating one mask to essential workers and nonprofits working with the homeless.
See at Rendall Co.
Elyse Maguire
Elyse Maguire Elyse Maguire is a scarves and home accessories brand that has started making face masks. The outer part is made from embroidered cotton fabric, while the interior is made from tightly woven cotton. The company is donating one mask to an essential worker on the frontlines for every mask sold.
See at Elyse Maguire
Caraa
Caraa Caraa, a New York City-based sports bag company, has started an initiative called Cara Cares that's making face masks from its leftover materials from the production line. The masks come in a pack of five for $25.
See at Caraa
The Reformation
The Reformation has cotton face masks in packs of five. The company asks that you limit your purchase to two sets.
See at The Reformation
Facebook Marketplace
Angela Lang/CNET If you're able to safely buy a homemade face mask from someone local, then Facebook Marketplace is a good place to find them. Make sure to follow your local guidelines about physical distancing when buying anything.
This includes standing at least 6 feet apart, so make arrangements to pick up the item from their porch or ask if the buyer can ship the item to help avoid contact. Wear gloves when collecting the mask and wash it immediately.
Also, if possible, use a mobile payment service to buy the products instead of exchanging cash, which could harbor germs or bring you into close contact with the seller. Some sellers offer a buy button so that you can pay online.
See at Facebook Marketplace
Etsy
Shopping an Etsy store is another option if you're looking to buy multiple face masks with different prints. It's important to note that they do sell out quickly, so if you spot one you like, it might be best to buy it then.
Some sellers carry sizes for adults and kids, so make sure to check the size before buying the mask to make sure you're getting one that fits.
See at Etsy
SwaddleDesigns
SwaddleDesigns A baby blanket company in Seattle, SwaddleDesigns recently converted its factory to start making face masks. The masks are designed by a nurse and have two layers of cotton flannel fabric.
See at SwaddleDesigns
Arm The Animals
If you want a mask that's fun to wear and gives people joy when they see it, then try one from Arm The Animals. You can get a mask with a tiger face, a cat or dog face or other options. The company donates a mask to California hospitals, medical facilities and emergency workers each time one is purchased.
See at Arm The Animals
Paige
Paige Paige is using its extra fabrics to create cotton face masks. The company is selling the masks in packs of four for $20.
See at Paige
Amazon Handmade
Amazon Handmade now has many more options at the time of writing, so it's a good source for finding face masks. You'll need to read the description to make sure you're getting the mask you want, for example, if you're looking for 에그벳 a thicker mask.
Many of these sellers are at capacity and working on orders that will take weeks to fulfill, so it's possible that it could take up to a month to receive your shipment.
See at Amazon Handmade
Snaptotes
Snaptotes Snaptotes provides fabric face masks with three layers of protection. The masks include a filter pocket and five replacement HEPA filters.
See at Snaptotes
American Blanket Company
The American Blanket Company is selling fleece face masks, which are thicker than a standard face mask. The company is donating face masks to first responders and healthcare workers with every purchase. You can get a five-pack for $39.
See at American Blanket Company
Sun Lovin Roots
Sun Lovin Roots Sun Lovin Roots is an athleisure line that has started making face coverings. For every three masks that are sold, one will be donated to a person in need. Plus 10% of all sales are going to the organization Direct Relief.
See at Sun Lovin Roots
Custom Ink
Custom Ink is a printing company that creates customized gear for businesses and groups. Now, the company is using its resources to make protective cloth face masks. You can order a family pack of 12 for $30.
The printing company notes that these masks are for personal use and shouldn't be worn in a surgical or clinical setting where the infection risk is high.
See at Custom Ink
Vida
Vida Vida, an apparel and accessories company, has started making face masks. The masks are made of two layers of cotton and have adjustable straps and a metal nosepiece for a snug fit. Each mask has a multilayer PM2.5 filter, which the company notes needs to be replaced every seven days. Vida is donating 10% of profits to the SF-Marin Food Bank and Food Bank NYC.
See at Vida
Thompson Tee
Thompson Tee makes antisweat t-shirts, but now the company is shifting its focus to making cotton face masks to reach its goal of donating 15,000 masks to hospitals in need. Each mask costs $6 each, and for every three masks sold, the company is donating one.
See at Thompson Tee
MaskClub
MaskClub MaskClub is a new company that's donating medical-grade masks to the First Responders Children's Foundat
Buy face masks online from these stores: Baby Yoda, Amazon, Etsy, Threadless, more
by Sandy Billiot (2024-08-30)
id="article-body" class="row" section="article-body">For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the WHO website.
Now that states are reopening businesses, officials are recommending or requiring that people wear face masks or cloth coverings when entering businesses. Covering the nose and mouth is part of a nationwide effort to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which transmits easily from coughs and sneezes and from droplets in your breath.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention already recommends wearing a face covering when you're in crowded public places where social distancing isn't possible, like the supermarket. Wearing a nonmedical face mask doesn't exempt you from physical and social distancing. After all, nonmedical masks may not prevent you from acquiring COVID-19, which is why other precautions are so important. You should also continue wearing a face mask even if you've recovered from the virus, since immunity from the disease hasn't been confirmed.
CNET Coronavirus Update
Keep track of the coronavirus pandemic.
If making your own face mask or face covering at home isn't for you, there are some options when it comes to buying a premade, nonmedical face mask, and some things to look for when buying one. We'll keep updating this list as we learn of new stores and sources.
Here are some options for buying face masks and cloth coverings online.
Help limit the spread of coronavirus by wearing a face mask in crowded public places.
the_burtons/Getty Images
What to look for in a nonmedical face mask you buy
When shopping for masks, look for one that's made from cotton and has a filter pouch -- a thicker material or designs with more layers might trap larger particles you accidentally eject through talking, coughing or sneezing.
The mask you buy needs to be wide enough to cover your nose and chin, and should be snug enough not to create gaps. A tight fit will help keep out large particles that travel through the air, like from sneezes. For example, medical-grade masks comes in sizes.
Remember to wash the mask before putting it on. You might want to buy multiple masks so that you always have a clean one on hand -- you'll need to wash it whenever you get home after going out in public.
#DYK? CDC's recommendation on wearing a cloth face covering may help protect the most vulnerable from #COVID19. Watch @Surgeon_General Jerome Adams make a face covering in a few easy steps. website pic.twitter.com/mE7Tf6y3MK
— CDC (@CDCgov) April 4, 2020
Now playing: Watch this: See the new face mask that might solve shortages
8:11
Disney
Disney Disney is officially selling face masks, including The Avengers and Baby Yoda masks. They come in sets of four for $20. The company will donate all mask profits (up to $1 million) to MedShare.
See at Disney
Swim Spot
Swim Spot, a swimsuit company, is now making face masks. You can buy a 5-pack for $10, up to a 100-pack for $250.
See at Swim Spot
Emilia George
Emilia George Emilia George, a maternity wear brand, is now producing face masks made from 100% cupro. The masks cost $10 each and come in a variety of colors.
See at Emilia George
Christy Dawn
Christy Dawn Fashion brand Christy Dawn is now making face masks in its Los Angeles factory. For each five-pack sold (starting at $30), the company is donating a five-pack to others in need. The masks are made from 100% doubled deadstock cotton.
See at Christy Dawn
Hot Topic
Hot Topic Hot Topic is selling face masks and cloth coverings, with themes ranging from Billie Eilish to '90s sitcom Friends.
See at Hot Topic
Radian Jeans
Radian Jeans Radian Jeans is now manufacturing face masks. The masks are made from two layers of knit jersey fabric and come in packs of five for $25.
See at Radian Jeans
Kenny Flowers
Kenny Flowers Kenny Flowers makes beachy face masks. For every mask you buy, one will be donated to Bali to help those in need.
See at Kenny Flowers
Threadless
Threadless Threadless masks consist of three-ply polyester with a built-in wire that forms to your nose. The company is donating 100% of the net proceeds to MedShare.
See at Threadless
Tilit
Tilit Tilit, a New York City-based hospitality workwear brand, has started making face masks from recycled hemp and organic cotton blend. For every mask bought, the company is donating a mask to a food service worker volunteering or a medical professional in need.
See at Tilit
SubZero Masks
SubZero Masks is donating one mask to an at-risk person in need for each mask purchased. The masks are 100% cotton.
See at SubZero Masks
41 Winks
41 Winks 41 Winks, an eye mask company, is now using its factory to create face masks. The masks are made from two layers of cotton fabric and one layer of polyethylene filter with an adjustable nose bridge. Currently sold out.
See at 41 Winks
Vistaprint
Vistaprint Vistaprint is now making face masks for adults and kids. The masks have a Vistaprint-exclusive Replaceable Nanofilter System.
See at Vistaprint
Rendall Co.
Rendall Co. Rendall Co. is a Los Angeles based workwear brand that's now using its resources to make face masks from two layers of woven cotton with built-in pockets to add your own filter. For every mask sold, the company is donating one mask to essential workers and nonprofits working with the homeless.
See at Rendall Co.
Elyse Maguire
Elyse Maguire Elyse Maguire is a scarves and home accessories brand that has started making face masks. The outer part is made from embroidered cotton fabric, while the interior is made from tightly woven cotton. The company is donating one mask to an essential worker on the frontlines for every mask sold.
See at Elyse Maguire
Caraa
Caraa Caraa, a New York City-based sports bag company, has started an initiative called Cara Cares that's making face masks from its leftover materials from the production line. The masks come in a pack of five for $25.
See at Caraa
The Reformation
The Reformation has cotton face masks in packs of five. The company asks that you limit your purchase to two sets.
See at The Reformation
Facebook Marketplace
Angela Lang/CNET If you're able to safely buy a homemade face mask from someone local, then Facebook Marketplace is a good place to find them. Make sure to follow your local guidelines about physical distancing when buying anything.
This includes standing at least 6 feet apart, so make arrangements to pick up the item from their porch or ask if the buyer can ship the item to help avoid contact. Wear gloves when collecting the mask and wash it immediately.
Also, if possible, use a mobile payment service to buy the products instead of exchanging cash, which could harbor germs or bring you into close contact with the seller. Some sellers offer a buy button so that you can pay online.
See at Facebook Marketplace
Etsy
Shopping an Etsy store is another option if you're looking to buy multiple face masks with different prints. It's important to note that they do sell out quickly, so if you spot one you like, it might be best to buy it then.
Some sellers carry sizes for adults and kids, so make sure to check the size before buying the mask to make sure you're getting one that fits.
See at Etsy
SwaddleDesigns
SwaddleDesigns A baby blanket company in Seattle, SwaddleDesigns recently converted its factory to start making face masks. The masks are designed by a nurse and have two layers of cotton flannel fabric.
See at SwaddleDesigns
Arm The Animals
If you want a mask that's fun to wear and gives people joy when they see it, then try one from Arm The Animals. You can get a mask with a tiger face, a cat or dog face or other options. The company donates a mask to California hospitals, medical facilities and emergency workers each time one is purchased.
See at Arm The Animals
Paige
Paige Paige is using its extra fabrics to create cotton face masks. The company is selling the masks in packs of four for $20.
See at Paige
Amazon Handmade
Amazon Handmade now has many more options at the time of writing, so it's a good source for finding face masks. You'll need to read the description to make sure you're getting the mask you want, for example, if you're looking for 에그벳 a thicker mask.
Many of these sellers are at capacity and working on orders that will take weeks to fulfill, so it's possible that it could take up to a month to receive your shipment.
See at Amazon Handmade
Snaptotes
Snaptotes Snaptotes provides fabric face masks with three layers of protection. The masks include a filter pocket and five replacement HEPA filters.
See at Snaptotes
American Blanket Company
The American Blanket Company is selling fleece face masks, which are thicker than a standard face mask. The company is donating face masks to first responders and healthcare workers with every purchase. You can get a five-pack for $39.
See at American Blanket Company
Sun Lovin Roots
Sun Lovin Roots Sun Lovin Roots is an athleisure line that has started making face coverings. For every three masks that are sold, one will be donated to a person in need. Plus 10% of all sales are going to the organization Direct Relief.
See at Sun Lovin Roots
Custom Ink
Custom Ink is a printing company that creates customized gear for businesses and groups. Now, the company is using its resources to make protective cloth face masks. You can order a family pack of 12 for $30.
The printing company notes that these masks are for personal use and shouldn't be worn in a surgical or clinical setting where the infection risk is high.
See at Custom Ink
Vida
Vida Vida, an apparel and accessories company, has started making face masks. The masks are made of two layers of cotton and have adjustable straps and a metal nosepiece for a snug fit. Each mask has a multilayer PM2.5 filter, which the company notes needs to be replaced every seven days. Vida is donating 10% of profits to the SF-Marin Food Bank and Food Bank NYC.
See at Vida
Thompson Tee
Thompson Tee makes antisweat t-shirts, but now the company is shifting its focus to making cotton face masks to reach its goal of donating 15,000 masks to hospitals in need. Each mask costs $6 each, and for every three masks sold, the company is donating one.
See at Thompson Tee
MaskClub
MaskClub MaskClub is a new company that's donating medical-grade masks to the First Responders Children's Foundat