You need a mask? Want to sew them? Contact Gainesville Makers Against Covid

Gainesville Makers Against Covid, a group dedicated to providing personal protective equipment to Alachua County and beyond, recommend a face mask pattern for those interested in sewing their own cloth face masks.

On April 3rd, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) announced it is strongly recommending that everyone wear masks to reduce the spread of COVID-19. 

According to Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci, the mask does not need to be an N95 grade and cloth masks are preferred to save N95 masks for medical personnel as supplies are short. 

It doesn’t need to be a classical mask, Dr. Fauci said.

The Deaconess pattern is very beginner friendly and hospital approved. Use clean, good condition, 100 percent tightly woven cotton fabric that is able to be washed and bleached.

The Gainesville makers use 15-inch ties in each corner of the mask. These can be made from ribbon, twill tape, bias tape… use what you have, remembering that it will need to be able to survive multiple washings. These ties will tie behind the head instead of around the ears.

Instruction on how to make a face mask: https://www.deaconess.com/How-to-make-a-Face-Mask

If you need masks, go to the website www.GNVCovidmasks.org and fill out the form.

To volunteer to sew masks use that same address or email GNVCovidmasks@gmail.com.