US designer makes coronavirus face masks with holes in for drinking straws

“It’s an easier way to participate in hands free social distance drinking.” Orleans-based designer says

A US textiles designer has created a line of coronavirus face mask coverings featuring a hole for a drinking straw.

Ellen Macober, an artist based in New Orleans, has launched a number of mask styles, from those adorned with sequins to bold animal prints, with a small hole in the front to allow users to shield themselves against viruses while enjoying a drink.

The designer said the masks allow “an easier way to participate in hands free social distance drinking.” Macober ensures customers that the hole created for drinking straws in the masks is “covered at all times by an interior flap”, enabling the mask to provide full coverage of mouth and nose when the straw hole is not being used.

Macober stresses on her website that fabric masks, including her designs “do not protect you from Covid-19”. When explaining the function of her masks, she said: “Fabric face masks minimise the spray admitted from people social distancing,” adding that the spray she refers to is “any projectile spit, snot, sneeze, cough, or other fluids sprayed when not wearing a covering.”

On 8 April, the World Health Organisation said there was no evidence to suggest wearing a face mask outside prevented healthy people from picking up Covid-19.

The study found masks don’t necessarily stop healthy people from catching coronavirus but do stop people spreading the virus further.

Professor David Heymann, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who chaired the WHO’s scientific and technical advisory group, said that unless people were working in healthcare settings, masks are “only for the protection of others, not for the protection of oneself."

The innovative mask design follows other brands turning to mask production during the coronavirus pandemic, with British fashion labels such as Florence Bridge and Plumo turning their hand to fashionable face coverings.

After months of advising the general public to not wear face masks, on 11 May, the government confirmed that people should be wearing “face coverings” in “enclosed public spaces”, such as on public transport or in shops.

In a 50-page report detailing the roadmap to easing lockdown in England, the government stressed that people should not be buying medical grade face masks, as these need to be reserved for health and care workers.

Macober’s face masks retail from $30 and take around an hour to make. The designer is also working on “high end couture wearable art face masks” to add to her line of face coverings.