Local citizens get creative with face gear

By Lynsi Musselman

Residents are getting creative with their facial protective gear amidst the COVID-19 break out. 

With the President’s order  in place for residents to wear mask in public settings and reports from the Food and Drug Administration that a shortage of surgical mask will continue, homemade substitutes are on the rise.

One local group has made this a family affair. Mary Heirman, her daughters Jennifer Meador and Michelle Kayga, and granddaughter Brooke Kayga had already been making masks for local nurses and healthcare workers. 

When the President’s face mask recommendation came out late last week, they saw an exponential increase in requests. 

Michelle and Jennifer both work full-time jobs. Michelle said the orders have been hard to keep up with. 

“We want to serve the local community first,” Michelle said. “We had an inquiry from a nursing home in Abilene to make 100 masks, and have also been asked if we can ship.” 

Trumi Wiloth and Mindy Skelton are another group that continue to make masks for family and friends. 

What to Use

With the increase in demand, local residentss are getting inspiration where they can. 

The sleeves of a small t-shirt, the sides of reusable grocery bags, and large scarves wrapped around the head are all examples of the creativity witnessed on Albany streets. 

Residents have also gone the old-fashioned route with a bandana – something that resembles a bank robber. 

There are many Do It Yourself Youtube videos and no sew examples on Pinterest. 

Albany resident and BSN, RN Josi Hudson said the most important thing to realize when wearing a mask is to remember the outside is dirty.

“When you touch your mask, you are contaminating your hands, proper hand hygiene is critical,” said Hudson. “Also, any surface you set your mask down on is now dirty. Always try to handle the mask by the ties or the elastic that holds it in place.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Protection advises the use of cloth face coverings fashioned from household items. The CDC is requesting all surgical material be saved for first responders.

Washing hands frequently and keeping six feet apart is still encouraged. Face masks are considered another line of defense to protect others and flatten the curve.