You’ve probably seen all over the news and social media that there is a shortage of PPE (personal protective equipment) for medical workers across the globe. According to the WHO , this was caused by misuse, panic buying, and hoarding of materials. People have even been reported stealing masks from hospitals themselves, the places that need them the most right now. Unfortunately, many health care workers are forced to reuse their PPE, which is a gamble.
Other businesses that use PPE have started donating their own stock, such at tattoo parlos and medical programs .
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Crafty people are also lending a hand in creating washable fabric masks to place over N95 masks.
While the cloth masks won’t actually block the virus, they can act as a shield for the protective mask so that they can be used again.
If you don’t have any supplies and are itching to help, JOANN Fabric is giving away free materials so you can make your own to donate to your local hospitals.
The company announced that it would open its doors to anyone who wants to learn how to make the masks, ensuring that social distancing and sanitizing measures would be set in place.
You can still help if you’re not comfortable with going into the store to learn.
You’ll be able to pick up materials via the company’s Ship-to-Home and Curbside Pickup options.
JOANN Fabric also posted a step-by-step video tutorial on how to make the masks so you can DIY them right from the comfort of your home.
If the video doesn’t suit you, they have more tutorials on their website.
Once crafters are done, they can bring their completed masks back to any JOANN store where they will be donated to local hospitals.
