Port Macquarie-Hastings residents have put their craft skills to good use to create their own masks instead of purchasing them.
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It comes after pharmacists noted a dramatic rise in masks being sold to the public, in light of rising COVID-19 cases in Victoria and clusters in NSW.
Mrs Carter is one of the residents who decided to make masks for members of the community and her friends.
A recent local post on social media has put makers of masks into the spotlight, as people try to seek out homemade masks due to increasing demand for them.
Mrs Carter has been a sewer for 40 years and since yesterday has made about 20 masks for her friends and people from the area.
"You can wash them and recycle them, so they are a bit more economical than having to wear the disposable ones," she said.
Mrs Carter is going to start wearing her homemade mask in public.
"I think we're learning from Victoria and just how quickly it can spread," she said.
Mrs Carter said the masks are very easy to make, as long as people know how to use a sewing machine and have the correct supplies.
It takes Mrs Carter just over five minutes to make one mask.
Port Macquarie resident Erica Fouard has also recently decided to make her own masks to protect herself and her family.
The process of mask making involves three pieces of fabric, which are layered. Elastic is also required to secure the barrier on a person's face.
Cotton is the best fabric to use as it's breathable.
Ms Fouard uses an industrial machine and has been sewing for as long as she can remember.
COVID-19 testing clinics are located across the Mid North Coast at Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Bellingen, Nambucca Heads, Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Kempsey and Laurieton.
NSW Health is urging anyone feeling unwell, even with the mildest of symptoms to self-isolate from others and come forward for COVID-19 testing.
Symptoms include fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell.
People have been asked to call the COVID-19 hotline on 1300 001 956 if they have any questions.
The community is also urged to remember to observe physical distancing, practice good hand hygiene and stay at home if they're unwell.
For more information please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19
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