Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan on Saturday announced a week-long mask drive to support those working and living in congregate living facilities.
We’re calling on all Minnesotans to get creative -- Today we launched a statewide mask drive to help our congregate care facilities.These don’t replace PPE, but they do help limit the spread of the virus. Thanks to our fire stations for partnering with us! #MinneSEWtaWeek pic.twitter.com/Dl2rSMw6Ip
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) April 18, 2020
The mask drive calls for Minnesotans to spend the next week sewing and creating masks that they can deliver to their local fire departments from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fire stations will then deliver the masks to local congregate living facilities for their employees and residents to wear.
All 775 fire departments in the State of Minnesota will participate.
Guidelines for the masks include:
- Build a mask that tightly encloses the area around the nose and mouth, from the bridge of the nose down to the chin, and extending onto the cheek beyond the corners of the mouth, so no gaps occur when talking or moving.
- Use mask material that is tightly woven but breathable. Double-layer the fabric if possible.
- Masks must be made from washable material such as fabric. Choose a fabric that can handle high temperatures and bleach without shrinking or otherwise deforming.
- The mask should be tolerant of expected amounts of moisture from breathing.
- Suggested materials:
- Outer layer tea cloth
- Inner layer of a microfleece to wick away moisture
- Use an accordion fold to mimic a hospital mask as much as possible
- Use a fat woven shoelace type material to bind the sides (such as quilt binding)
- For straps, use elastic straps that loop behind the ears.
