MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST:
Whether officials recommend all Americans to wear masks or not, many people are taking to making their own.
AILSA CHANG, HOST:
The Internet, naturally, is full of patterns and tutorials.
KELLY: Not all of these designs are created equal, though. The best mask you can make is one that fits snugly on your face. So a loosely wrapped scarf will not do the trick.
CHANG: If you can sew, cut up an old T-shirt or sheets and follow a pattern with pleats. Those allow the mask to form to your face.
KELLY: If you can't sew, take something that's already the right size, like a bandana. Once you have a piece of fabric that covers your mouth and your nose, you need to secure it over your ears.
CHANG: For that, you can use elastic or even rubber bands.
KELLY: Remember - the main potential benefit of wearing a mask is that it might help keep you from infecting other people if you're sick and you don't know it.