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There's a virtual sew-along tomorrow to make face masks for Boston-area hospitals
By adamg on Sat, 03/21/2020 - 12:02pm
When not busy citying, Councilor Annissa Essaibi George runs a sewing-supply store in Dorchester. Tomorrow, Stitch House Dorchester will run a virtual sewing circle between noon and 3 p.m. to make masks for all the doctors, nurses and technicians running out of them. Don't worry, they'll provide a pattern, as well as a chat window.
When done, you'll be able to drop the masks off at Stitch House or Gather Here Stitch Lounge in Cambridge.
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Comments
Uselful?
Has anyone checked with the hospitals to make sure this is useful?
I love this idea, and think it's awesome that so many people want to help!
But before my husband and I whip out the sewing machine, I want to make sure these masks can be used. I fear a situation in which well-meaning folks sew hundreds of these, the designated person drops them off at the hospital, and they can't be used by doctors; worse it will take precious time and energy to deal with them in the hospital, and if they're not needed or can't be used, that's bad.
Can anyone verify?
More feelgood than anything
I have a doctor friend who was ranting about this on Facebook. She said these masks are okay for droplets but not aerosol transmission.
a British Medical Journal study
" This study is the first RCT of cloth masks, and the results caution against the use of cloth masks. This is an important finding to inform occupational health and safety. Moisture retention, reuse of cloth masks and poor filtration may result in increased risk of infection. Further research is needed to inform the widespread use of cloth masks globally. However, as a precautionary measure, cloth masks should not be recommended for HCWs, particularly in high-risk situations, and guidelines need to be updated."
https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/4/e006577?fbclid=IwAR38NcJcWh5iFUYIRM3...
Yes!
Yes, Boston Healthcare for the Homeless is currently accepting these masks as well!
Coffee filters can also be used
You can also use coffee filters and rubber bands and paper clips to make masks.
I was dubious
I wasn't sure you'd be able to breathe through a coffee filter, so I went and tried it. You can breathe through one. Whether it would be effective at disease prevention is another question. Market Basket size #4 filters are $2 for 100.
Good for support staff
Good for support staff
These can be used for support staff - not for acute care. There are valets, food workers, cleaners, admins who are in the hospital supporting the medical staff who are around patients but not treating them. Something is better than nothing.
And they can be washed and reused.
A very easy to sew video is here. Great idea. I will be taking part.
It's a niece thought but
It's a niece thought but nearly pointless. The only masks that matter are N-95 masks. The CDC said other masks are ok due to political pressure, that's it. Cotton or fabric masks are basically a joke. What a monumental propaganda win for those in power.
To all - Direct info re face
To all - Direct info re face masks in rgular times and in times if crisis. See last paragraph re home made masks - this is not a waste of time - it even says a bandanna - any barrier is better than no barrier.