Sowing Seeds of Hope has received a limited supply of donated masks to distribute in Perry County to those most in need.  Masks will first be distributed to those who are at high risk of complications if they contract COVID-19 and then to essential employees.  This will help reserve the supply of medical grade masks and n95 respirators for healthcare workers.

We appreciate the finished masks donated by the Anne Kirtley Chapter of the Judson College Alumnae Association and the West Alabama Mask Makers Group.  We are also thankful to the Mann Center for Ethics and Leadership and Samford University for contributing materials for masks, which will be assembled by the Marion-West Perry Arts and Crafts Group.

While a sewn mask tends to provide a better fit, the CDC notes that wearing another form of cloth face covering, including a bandana tied over the nose and mouth, will also help slow the spread of COVID-19.  For a video demonstration of how to make a fabric mask from items you may already have at home, visit https://bit.ly/2Ravt42.  You can also learn how to cut a mask from a t-shirt at https://bit.ly/34MNHxS.

CDC recommends that a mask be worn anytime you are in a public area or community setting.  Even when wearing a mask, you should be intentional about maintaining six feet of distance between yourself and others.

When fitting your face mask or other face covering that you’re using as a mask, be sure that it covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly around the sides of your face, while still allowing you to breathe.  You should wash your mask after every use if possible.  If you need to take your mask off and put it back on, try to make sure that the same side of your mask faces the outside each time.

Please remember that it’s not recommended to place a mask on a child that is under three years old and that surgical masks and n95 respirators should be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders.