Making your own masks? Aldi will have Harry Potter fabric in stock this weekend

Anyone know a protection spell?

As the country gradually begins to open up from Covid-19 lockdown, seeing people wearing masks looks set to be part of the 'new normal'. In an update given last week, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that the Government was recommending that people wear face coverings when going into enclosed spaces such as retail parks and when using public transport. Medical grade masks should be reserved for frontline workers, but cloth coverings that fit snugly on the face are advised. As the Taoiseach highlighted in his speech, scientists are still divided on how effective the use of masks was in stopping the spread of Coronavirus is. So, while it will not be compulsory to wear a mask in indoor public spaces the Government is advising the use of face coverings, coupled with social distancing and rigorous hand washing which are still the most effective ways of stopping the spread. Members of the public right across the country have already been hand-sewing masks for use by frontline workers and to raise funds for various charities over the last couple of months. And now, with the face mask set to be ubiquitous, some of Ireland's leading fashion designers, including the likes of Jennifer Rothwell, Helen Steele and Niall Tyrrell, have begun producing masks in colourful fabrics. If you're handy with a sewing machine and looking for a mask that makes a statement, be sure to check out Aldi's special buys this weekend. On Sunday, the supermarket chain will be selling a whole host of Harry Potter merchandise, including bedding, toys and stationery. Also in the range are fabric fat quarters in suitably magical designs. The bundles are priced at €5.99, and include five pieces of fabric, each with a different design drawn from the Harry Potter universe. You can choose from Spells, Classic, Chibi (Japanese style animation) or Honeydukes. The fabric is 100 percent cotton and each quarter measures approximately 18x22". The Harry Potter range will be available at Aldi stores nationwide this Sunday, May 24, 2020.