Memphians show off their favorite masks
Shelby County Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter said it is important to create a social environment where cloth face masks or coverings are the norm.
So far, face masks or coverings are required for employees while at work in businesses, but merely encouraged for others, even in situations where it might be hard to practice social distancing.
“If it’s a fashion statement, people are more likely to wear masks, so we encourage people to get creative with their masks and we believe that will help move people to wearing more masks and facial coverings in public,” Haushalter said earlier this week.
Memphis-area folks have taken the opportunity to showcase their personality, their favorite color, their favorite team, their favorite band.
One of our customers made it for me out of my favorite band's bandana. pic.twitter.com/5XRxjmW8ZJ
— Chris Hamlett (@chrishamlettyo) May 18, 2020
Just gotta be different! pic.twitter.com/KrOzbWgFNr
— Kent Anderson (@KentatCL) May 19, 2020
Made it myself pic.twitter.com/9k17krl9ma
— MEM901 (@MEM90113) May 18, 2020
Kitties! pic.twitter.com/ZgvJxFYj9S
— Allison (@MissAinMemphis) May 18, 2020
And while trying to prevent the spread of coronavirus, some people are also opting in to support local businesses and nonprofits.
Editor’s Note: The Daily Memphian is making our coronavirus coverage accessible to all readers — no subscription needed. Our journalists continue to work around the clock to provide you with the extensive coverage you need; if you can subscribe, please do.
“We have several (face masks) from Oak Hall and also like that our purchase supported their efforts for the Church Health Center,” Jessica McKnett said via Facebook.
You can show us your mask too: via Facebook or Twitter.
Masked Memphis
Form or function: the new fashion accessory, coronavirus masks, turns us all into benign bandits
Erivana Sevion, 11, struggles to get her mask to sit right as members of the Pursuit of God Church in partnership with Life Church, Bellevue Baptist and Mid-South Food Bank assemble some 250 food baskets to give away to those in need on March 20, 2020 at Pursuit of God Church in Frayser. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Chef Ashton Hall wears a University of Memphis face mask on Friday, May 8, 2020 at Shelby Farms. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis student Chiemi Fujio volunteers during a food drive at the school's International Center on May 2, 2020. Many of the school’s international student population have been unable to return home while remotely finishing coursework for the semester. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Merle Norman Cosmetics owner Kelley Dennis wears a heart covered face mask on Monday, May 4, 2020, at the Cordova store. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
Tayy Thepro goes with the polka dot during a walk along the bluff near Tom Lee Park in Downtown Memphis on May 1, 2020. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
University of Memphis international student advisor Eddie Roe volunteers during a food drive at the school's International Center on May 2, 2020. Many of the school’s international student population have been unable to return home while remotely finishing coursework for the semester. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Taking the recommended safety measure of wearing a mask when going out in public, Jacqui Anderson walks around Hyde Lake in Shelby Farms Park on May 1, 2020. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Gathering for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic, Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright attends a Budget Reset Retreat on Friday, May 8, 2020 at Shelby Farms. (Mark Weber/Daily Memphian)
Teresa Andreuccetti goes for near full face protection while biking on Main Street with her dog Meme in Downtown Memphis on May 1, 2020. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
William Reynolds of Bartlett protects himself while walking at Shelby Farms as Memphians practice social distancing during workouts, dog walks and bike rides either alone or in small groups on April 4, 2020. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Terri Harris, Director of Marketing and Communications, wears a mask made by a local artist as she volunteers during a food drive at the University of Memphis International Center on May 2, 2020. Many of the school’s international student population have been unable to return home while remotely finishing coursework for the semester. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Church member Richard Lute, 71, passes out gloves as members of the Pursuit of God Church in partnership with Life Church, Bellevue Baptist and Mid-South Food Bank assemble some 250 food baskets to give away to those in need on March 20, 2020 at Pursuit of God Church in Frayser. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Taking the recommended safety measure of wearing a mask when going out in public, Cynthia Sharp walks around Hyde Lake in Shelby Farms Park on May 1, 2020. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Taking the recommended safety measure of wearing a mask when going out in public, James Brown walks around Hyde Lake in Shelby Farms Park on May 1, 2020. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Shandra Phillips, known as the "Sock Lady" has expanded from her traditional stock of socks to also hawk face masks and surgical gloves on the corner of Cleveland and Poplar on May 1, 2020. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Daniel Mills shows off his sloth-inspired mask while working at Tangles Hair Studio May 6, 2020. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Collierville High School Principal Roger Jones III masks up with school spirit as staff, teachers, parents and PTSO members cheer for Collierville High School graduates driving through to pick up caps and gowns at the school on May 7, 2020. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Rene Curley volunteers during a food drive at the University of Memphis International Center on May 2, 2020. Many of the school’s international student population have been unable to return home while remotely finishing coursework for the semester. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Corrections program specialist Gloria Phillips shows a finished product as inmates at the Shelby County Correctional Center learn how to make fabric masks on April, 17, 2020, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Blue Suede Brigade member Marcus Daniels goes with a neoprene mask complete with purge valves while walking his route along Main Street in Downtown Memphis on May 1, 2020. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Dean of the Graduate School Robin Poston volunteers during a food drive at the University of Memphis International Center on May 2, 2020. Many of the school’s international student population have been unable to return home while remotely finishing coursework for the semester. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Half Shell owner Danny Shumrall poses for a portrait in his East Memphis restaurant May 4, 2020. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Diamond Sharpe sports her Harry Potter mask while walking along the bluff near Tom Lee Park in Downtown Memphis on May 1, 2020. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
The bronze statue of famous Italian explorer Christopher Columbus got a little virus protection of his own after someone attached a mask overnight on March 28, 2020, at Marquette Park. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
This masked gator chewing on a rubber human foot at The Half Shell May 4, 2020 gives a new meaning to the term "COVID toes." (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Topics
coronavirusElle Perry
A native Memphian, Elle Perry has earned graduate degrees from the University of Memphis and Maryland Institute College of Art. She’s written for publications including the Memphis Business Journal, Memphis Flyer and High Ground News, and previously served as coordinator of The Teen Appeal.
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