30 March, 2020
Roma Station

From 30 March 2020, the use of a protective mask is mandatory in public indoor areas (e.g. shops, post offices, etc.).

However, these are almost impossible to buy as Slovenia is facing a critical shortage of protective equipment. A scarf or a scarf covering the mouth and nose is in principle sufficient for emergency use, but you can also make your own mask from materials available at home. This is to prevent the possible spread of infection to other people.

At the same time, it also goes some way to preventing a possible infection with a new coronavirus, because even home-made masks are better than no protection at all. Home-made masks made of cotton materials are also washable and can be used repeatedly, which is an advantage over surgical masks that can only be used for a limited time. To this end, UKC Ljubljana, which sews the masks for its own use, has also prepared instructions on how to make a mask at home.

There are also a number of very useful online videos showing how to make a mask from the materials available.

https://youtu.be/fMA7a6xO3G0
https://youtu.be/IVj2kLTGMg8

Air Laid Napkin Mask:
https://youtu.be/-2tql97rC54

Disposable paper towel mask:
https://youtu.be/ilplwuvpIGw  

If any of our users would like to help in making masks for the Roma community in Maribor, we can lend you sewing machines and suitable fabrics.

For more information, please contact us at epeka@epeka.si or +38630610606.

Epeka volunteers will also make the masks, which we can deliver to you.

The key is to use the mask correctly!

Once you have made the mask, it is important that you know how to put it on correctly. Follow these steps:

  • Wash and disinfect your hands before putting the mask on.
  • Place the mask on your face from the top of the bridge of the nose over the mouth and under the chin to ensure that the mask fits snugly on your face.
  • Do not touch the mask during use, always wash or sanitise your hands if you touch it.
  • Never wear the mask under the nose or chin.
  • After two hours, or if the mask has become damp, remove it with a strap or elastic grip.
  • Never touch the front of the mask.
  • When removing the mask, keep your head straight (do not look down) to prevent germs from the mask surface from spreading on your clothes.
  • Be sure to wash or disinfect your hands after removal.

For more information, please contact us by email or on Facebook.

EU Funds

The project is partly funded by the European Social Fund, Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities and the European Union. The operation is financed under the Operational Programme for the Implementation of the European Cohesion Policy 2014-2020, Priority Axis 9 “Social inclusion and reducing the risk of poverty”, Priority Investment 9.1 “Active inclusion, including the promotion of equal opportunities and active participation, and improving employability”, Specific Objective 9.1.2 “Empowering target groups to move towards the labour market”. .