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The coronavirus is spreading further and further every day, prompting the World Health Organization to declare a global emergency. There are now around 10,000 cases of people infected with the virus in China, at least 213 have died due to the illness, and the sickness has now spread to 19 countries around the globe.

So it’s natural that people want to protect themselves and their loved ones. However, there is a shortage of medical masks and not everyone can afford quality medical equipment. And far from everyone can stay at home under a lockdown until this crisis blows over. Some people in China are turning to creative and weird ways to protect themselves from the coronavirus.

Bored Panda collected some of the most peculiar DIY projects people are trying to keep the virus at bay, and it shows how ingenious some people can be. Scroll down and upvote your favorite of these smart solutions. And when you’re done looking through this list of funny masks, have a look through our articles about a dog that stopped its owner from flying to Wuhan by destroying her passport, as well as our post about the realities of medical staff working in Wuhan.

You can view a constantly-updated model of how much the virus has spread globally right here.

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From grapefruit and cabbage face masks to plastic bottles and even bras, some people in China are using whatever they can get their hands on to reduce the risk of contracting the disease. While most of these creative ideas won’t be as effective as proper medical equipment, any protection might be better than none. Probably. Just remember that a grapefruit is not a valid alternative to a professional mask.

Bored Panda talked to a member of flight staff from a major Middle-Eastern airline based in Dubai, who wanted to remain anonymous, about the situation regarding the spread of the coronavirus. According to her, a family of 4 that traveled to Dubai from Wuhan has been quarantined until they are healthy.

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Ivy
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What’s wrong with this one? The medical mask stops germs and the pad absorbs moisture. 10/10 solution.

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She also told Bored Panda that the airline that she works for hasn't stopped its flights to China. Which has her concerned for her own health. That's why she's come up with her own protocol about how to protect herself from the virus.

"After every flight, I immediately wash my clothes and take a shower as soon as I get back home," she said. "While I'm on a flight, I wear a medical mask and I only eat the food that I prepared myself."

She also revealed that it's highly likely that she'll be on at least several flights to China in February. In her opinion, not all countries in the world are equally vulnerable to the virus and calls Dubai one of the "gateways" that is at risk.

The flight attendant revealed to Bored Panda that a large number of people are now flying with masks on and are disinfecting their hands when they can. According to her, people have been advised to touch their faces less and avoid large crowds.

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Rissie
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A better solution would be to refrain from unnecessary social contact like playing cards ;)

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The vast majority of cases of people with the coronavirus abroad are those who’d been to Wuhan, the epicenter of the disease. However, the BBC writes that in 8 cases (in Germany, Japan, Vietnam, and the US), people were infected by those who’d traveled to China. Today, the first cases of the virus reaching the UK have also been documented.

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Countries are reacting by closing borders, canceling flights, and quarantining people returning from Wuhan. While companies like Starbucks, Google, Tesla, and IKEA closed some of their shops and partially suspended their operations. However, the WHO is sure that China can control the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

China locked down the province of Hubei (with 60 million people) from where the virus spread. What’s more, China’s advising its citizens abroad to stop non-essential travel back home.

Meanwhile, the UK, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, and New Zealand are conducting voluntary evacuations from Hubei province. These people will be quarantined to see if they show any symptoms. That’s because it takes 1-14 days for symptoms to show and the illness can be transmitted even before then.

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earringnut
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um, I'm pretty sure this guy would be dressed as Cabbage Face even if there were no viruses at all.

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Magpie
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To stop people coughing spitting or breathing on you, and your clothes, and your hands.

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Full Name
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The one of the right is wearing face shield like they're worried about blood from the zombie they smash with a bat.

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Becky Moore
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who knew there were so many water cooler bottles just lying around in China?!

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Orillion
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's the point of even wearing a mask if you're going to cut a big hole in it?

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How Terribly Unfortunate
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

@Emily Hong— unless you have x-ray vision, you can't even see it. Also, is that literally the problem here? Because unless I'm mistaken, it's that they need to protect against the coronavirus.

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Emily Hong
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine if you walk into a supermarket to get your groceries and see... this.

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MadDawg
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My plan would be to stay home and keep to myself... oh wait. I already do that

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