From 24th July, it will be mandatory in England to wear a face covering (non-medical mask) in shops and supermarkets. Those who fail to comply could face a fine of up to £100, which will be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. Since 15th June, it has been mandatory to wear a face covering while using public transport and when visiting hospitals in England.
A happy Kitenge customer wearing her face covering on The Tube in London
England is following in the footsteps of Scotland, who made it mandatory to wear a face covering in shops and supermarkets from 10th July, and other European countries including Spain, Italy, France and Germany.
Children who are under the age of 11 and those with certain disabilities are exempt from wearing face coverings in England. It is hoped that wearing face coverings will give the general public more confidence to go shopping and boost the economy by supporting local businesses especially independents.
Recently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended wearing a face covering in all enclosed public spaces especially where social distancing is more difficult. The latest scientific evidence shows that face coverings can help to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
Due to the latest government requirements and guidelines from the World Health Organisation, many people are looking for face coverings in order to give themselves and others added protection from catching or spreading infection. They protect the healthy and additionally help asymptomatic people from spreading the disease.
Whilst N95 or surgical masks are the most effective masks, they should be reserved for the healthcare professionals. Outside of the healthcare profession, wearing fabric masks still provides benefits to everyone but wearing a face mask alone doesn’t mean you should stop washing your hands effectively or practicing social distancing. For maximum benefit, all three should be done in combination.
Since May, Kitenge’s Tanzanian tailors have been hand crafting pleated fabric face masks, with a filter pocket and adjustable fabric ties, that you can purchase online – helping you and others to stay protected. Our masks also include spare pieces of elastic in case you wish to alter them to an elasticated tie around the ears. Read on to find out more.
The filter pocket
All our face masks are hand crafted using high quality, 100% cotton, breathable African print fabric. Kitenge’s masks are available in a range of colourful and stylish prints and as offcuts of fabric are used they are also sustainable and an eco-friendly alternative to paper masks.
Masks are available in sets of 5 and each set will be totally unique to you. You order by the set and then we will pack up a bespoke set for you in a range of colours and prints. As offcuts of fabric are used, a different print may be used for the ties compared to the front for example.
Our current set of 5 African print fabric face masks
Unfortunately, many individuals and businesses across the world have been affected due to the covid-19 pandemic. This includes tailors in Tanzania whose private orders from local customers have dried up. Buying masks from Kitenge will help to support the livelihoods of these tailors and their families.
One of our menswear tailors, Denis, making an African print fabric face mask in Tanzania
Shop Kitenge’s range of stylish and colourful face coverings that are unique to you. Kitenge’s popular face masks have recently sold out but are available to pre-order today! We’ve got more stock arriving in the UK very soon. The estimate dispatch date for all pre-orders is w/c 27th July. We will ship all orders promptly as soon as the masks have arrived in the UK.
A happy Kitenge customer wearing her face covering on the train in England
“These fabric masks are great. I mainly use these for travelling on the train. I use a filter in the mask which is easy to fit. They wash well and maintain their shape. Even with the filter they are comfortable and not hot/sweaty as a surgical mask. They are brightly coloured so add a bit of fun to wearing a mask and you have 5 to choose from to suit your mood! Easy to order and come with elastic if you wish add these rather than use the fabric ties. Thanks Sian and her team of tailors. Highly recommended
Find wash and care instructions on our helpful product page or contact us if you have any questions.
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