Staying Safe Neednt Cost The Earth
If you are finding it hard to get hold of KN95 masks, or finding them too expensive, you could perhaps consider the next best thing: Silk.
A number of studies have shown that silk is effective at repelling droplets, with one study showing the best results were the KN95 masks, the next best were silk masks.
These can be made at home, and do have a number of advantages. They can be washed numerous times and dry quickly. They are soft and don't tend to aggravate the skin and generally provide a good seal around the nose. They are a natural product and environmentally preferable to polyester disposable masks. They can be made cheaply.
I have attached a pattern based on a KN95 mask, as it appears when folded. you will need to cut 8 pieces, double layers front and back and then join the middle seam for each side, insert a cotton inner layer, a metal strip across the nose area (you can get these from a disposable mask), close the seam around the outer edge and attach the elastic.
An old silk scarf or shirt is ideal to make these. I have also spoken to the recycle shop at the Otaihanga transfer station and they will collect any silk items that come in so people can use them for mask making.
Riddle Me That: Ready to Test Your Wits?
If the prisoner tells a lie, he'll be hanged;
if he tells the truth, he'll be beheaded.
What can he say to save himself?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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67.1% Yes
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30.5% No
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2.4% Other - I'll share below
OCTOBER'S WEATHER IN KĀPITI
This third spring month in Kāpiti was milder and sunnier than average, and for three weeks we also seemed to be heading for a record dry one, but rain here and over most of the country on the last week changed that.
We ended up with 110mm of rain (airport), but this was only 12mm above the historic average for this month that is frequently our wettest. Despite the rain, we had the equivalent of 15.5 sunny days, slightly above average.
Our daily average maximum temperature was 17.8, almost 0.4C above average and 0.7C above last year, and our overall mean temperature was 14.2C, 1.3C above last year, and the warmest in central New Zealand.
November could average around 20C, as it often does, so we can look forward to the possibility of enjoying our first summer month.