COMMUNITY CLOTH MASK PROJECT
SOCIAL DISTANCING IS STILL REQUIRED WHEN USING A MASK!
Many community members want to create cloth masks for use by our community members to wear while out of the house. We appreciate the enthusiasm and attention to the critical mission of slowing the spread.
Why use a mask? When you talk or cough, little droplets leave your mouth and can land on other people or surfaces. A cloth mask is designed to reduce this from happening. Cloth masks are designed to prevent the accidental spread of the virus to OTHER people from the person wearing the mask. It is a WE NOT ME idea. Additionally, the cloth masks are not medical masks like the ones used in hospitals or clinics by employees providing direct care of patients.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CREATING A MASK:
Step by Step Instructions: https://bit.ly/2wsd23O
Video Tutorial on Making Masks: https://bit.ly/2UAP527
WASHING AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS:
- Please wash the new masks in a washing machine with hot water and detergent (laundry soap). Then dry them on high heat.
- Wash your hands with soap and water and place the dry masks in a garbage bag (or similar) for transport.
- Place your name, email or phone number, and the quantity of masks on a piece of paper and put that in the bag too.
- Tie the bag closed.
- Bring to Sauk Prairie Hospital front entrance, Lodi Clinic, River Valley Clinic or Prairie Clinic and place in drop off bin.
- Pat yourself on the back for a job well done! Thanks!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who Will Use the Masks We Make?
After careful consideration, we have decided some of these masks will be needed at the hospital for some employees. Originally we had planned a community only mask program which really helps our doctors, nurses, and clinical staff by reducing the spread and overwhelming our healthcare system, but now we plan to use several or your masks at the hospital and clinics.
Mask Materials, What is Best?
There are a variety of fabrics one can choose to make the masks. Research suggests when making do-it-yourself masks, Cotton, Cotton blend seem to work well for both preventing water droplets from traveling too far from the mask wearer’s mouth and breathability. Feel free to use your creativity in sourcing the materials. Old t-shirts, pillowcases, sheets can work well if you don’t have access to new fabric. If you are having trouble finding supplies to sew the masks, please email us at COVID19volunteers@SaukPrairieHealthcare.org and we’ll see if we can help.
Mask Attachment Options?
We have heard some folks struggling to find elastic to create ear loops. Another option is to make bias tape out of your fabric and create ties instead. For folks wearing these longer, such as healthcare workers, the ties can be more comfortable. Our schematic and video are the tie version. However, we are happy with whatever you are able to create.
Drop Off Options?
We want to make this as easy as possible for our mask makers. In addition to the hospital, you can drop masks off at the Lodi, River Valley clinics and Prairie Clinic. We ask for any drop off that you place the clean masks in a bag include your name, contact info, and the number masks on a piece of paper in the bag.
Questions? Email COVID19volunteers@SaukPrairieHealthcare.org