Masks are currently running short in Hirosaki City due to the spread of new coronavirus infections, and handmade masks and kits for making masks are on sale in the city.

At "Kotori cafe," which deals with miscellaneous goods (Hirosaki City, Hyakuseki-cho, TEL 0172-88-8504), sales of double gauze masks began on February 7. There are 3 types of masks, one for adults (400 yen), one for infants (350 yen), and one for pleated masks (400 yen). The mask is made by Akiko Kudo of "cokia," a crafting activity in Hirosaki. "I made it because my mother holding an infant had been using a commercially available mask for many days due to lack of masks. I hope it helps anyone who is worried alone."

Mr. Kudo usually makes Tsugaru kogin sashimi and cloth accessories. The reason why I started making it when a friend who often inhales dust when cutting dough was asked to make a mask. "After that, we received requests for applications such as school lunch for children, but it was made to order. We decided to sell it so that it could be delivered to people in need." When they started selling, the number of customers who buy it in bulk or to send it to relatives in Tokyo is increasing.

"Shimaya" (Momoishicho, TEL 0172-32-6046) began selling kits for making pleated masks from February 5th. “I decided to sell it because I think that there will be people who need to prevent influenza as well as hay fever and coronaviruses in the future,” said shop owner Takuji Yokoshima.

"We have instructions and can make it if you have a sewing machine. We plan to receive antibacterial gauze next week, so the lineup will increase." The price of the kit is 250 yen.

Mr. Kudo said, “The gauze mask can be used many times if it is washed by hand or using a net and gently washed in the washing machine. There is not much I can make. I can make a mask easily and can sew it by hand, so cough etiquette Or try it as one of the means of self-defense."