Dr Ashley Bloomfield (surely he’ll soon be Sir Ashley) has asked us all to Be Prepared. A local second wave of coronavirus is likely and when (not if) it arrives we will all be encouraged to wear masks in shops and on public transport. It’s important for everyone to have their masks ready just in case.
I bought a couple of disposable masks four months ago and we’ve not yet needed to use them. On Friday I went in to a chemist and bought two more, finding that the price has now doubled. I was keen to get some reusable masks, but these were difficult to obtain online, and I wondered whether perhaps I could make some. I don’t possess a sewing machine but found online instructions for hand sewn ones. Rather than cut up a good scarf I experimented with some green linen that has been in a cupboard for years. It was inclined to fray but I managed to make the prescribed shape. However it seemed rather small, and would be even smaller once I’d hemmed the ends to take elastic. There is some elastic in my sewing kit but only enough for two masks and I was loath to squander it on such an amateurish product.
My mock-up mask
Instead we decided yesterday to go into town and see whether we could find any fabric masks for sale. I asked first at a gift shop who said they didn’t have any but were planning to order some. At Ballantynes the customer service woman said they didn’t stock them. She told me Shopology by the Riverside Market had some very sophisticated ones for $69, but they’d sold out. She didn’t know of anywhere else in the inner city that had reusable masks.
I went across to the Cashel Street Pharmacy where I was shown a reusable mask that was already sold and told they will have more in next Monday. I ordered four, at $20 each, and felt pleased we’d done the best we could to follow Dr Ashley’s instructions. I hope we never need to use them.
As it was time for brunch we went to the Riverside Market, This was bustling as usual, and we ended up at Shaka Bros. Stephen had a Wake’n’Bacon, basically a big breakfast, while I had fries. This is the second lot of chips I’ve had in two weeks – not good for my healthy eating regime. My preference would have been a scone but they don’t do cabinet food. Most of their selection is hamburgers which I don’t particularly like. My hot chocolate was okay, but not as piping hot as I like it. I was happy they didn’t add marshmallows.
Shaka Bros
Afterwards we walked round the market where there are always new things to see. One surprising sight was straps of licorice and candy, some stuffed with sherbet. The woman told us they’d come from Spain. I can appreciate the Spanish economy may need our custom, but I would have thought there are healthier products we could be importing.
Spanish Sweets
I had to look around and ask
but finally I found a mask
Ruth's Reflections 
I had my first attempt at sewing masks yesterday. While I was working I remembered when (semi) retirement was approaching how I was looking forward to taking up sewing again. I vaguely had in mind the odd article of clothing for myself or my sisters’ grandchildren. Instead, I’ve found myself making joey pouches for injured Australian wildlife, and now masks to keep us safe in a global pandemic.
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It’s amazing what fate thrusts upon us. I admire your crafty creativity.
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We’re using masks from the local chemist ..$48 for 50. ..use them once then throw away careful only to touch the elastic loops you hangover your ears.
I have to remember to put my mask on when I go walking and often find myself maskless several 100 yards down the road. Then rush home feeling like a criminal. And of of course legally I am breaking a law or edict for which the penalty is now a great lot of deal of money.
The mask does give me some confidence outside home although I do find myself often holding my breath in the supermarket doing the weekly shop. It is disconcerting but better than than the getting the alternative.
Scary weird times.
Lovely to read about you going out for coffees and meals. I’m living some of my life vicariously now enjoying friends and family tales of holidays and the everyday outings we used to take for granted.
Thanks Ruth, I look forward to reading your blog.
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I hesitated to buy a whole box of throw away masks, and am just hoping we won’t need to use any. I suspect that if we end up going to a different level Stephen and I will mainly stay home, and get our groceries delivered as we did before.
Whenever I’m out and about I’m very aware that we have privileges here that so many in other places don’t. Have been walking on the beach this morning, and a group of us are planning to go to the hot pools at New Brighton later this week. Kia kaha! XXX
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Thanks for the tip, Ruth – I have just ordered a couple of reusable masks online. They’re black, so I may look like a bank robber wearing them – lol! However, I won’t be the only one.
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I think we’re all going to look a little strange – at least at first.
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