An artist has designed a face mask with a small hole for a cocktail straw.

Cocktails

Cocktails

Ellen Macomber, from New Orleans, designed the protective wear so people could enjoy a beverage while protecting themselves against coronavirus.

She told the New York Post newspaper: ''We're all in New Orleans, and here in New Orleans, we like to drink.''

Ellen says she got the mask idea from a friend and believes that the design will be useful for people who spend more time in public places.

She said: ''Anything is better than nothing. If we're going to be handling different errands ... this is just one option for one of the variety of errands you're needing to do.''

Ellen made it clear that she is no health expert and the the masks cannot guarantee protection from the virus.

But, she says they will allow people to drink together once the health crisis eases.