Hospital systems in the United States have been and will continue to be challenged to meet the needs of patients who may be COVID-19 positive. In light of this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued guidance approving the use of cloth masks. If you are able to sew such masks, UMSON is collecting them to be delivered to the University of Maryland Medical Center weekly.
These cloth face masks will be provided to patients, visitors, and staff members working in non-direct patient care, and will help to preserve medical-grade masks for those providing direct patient care.
Cloth Mask Instructions
Sewing experience, not expertise, is required to fabricate these correctly. There are two variations of the mask – folded and fitted.
- To avoid contamination of masks or other people while transporting them, if you are currently feeling sick or have been exposed to anyone with symptoms (fever, shortness of breath, dry cough, or other) do NOT make masks at this time
- Place the completed masks in a sealed plastic bag that can be wiped down by the health care group and then run through their sanitizing processes. If you don’t have sealable bags, just seal them up as best you can.
- Please place a note in the bag or write on the bag how many masks are included.
How will the masks be used?
- Cloth masks will not be used for COVID-19 positive or COVID-19 suspected patients; only approved PPE will be used for hospital staff who provide care to these patients
- Cloth masks can be used for non-clinical staff who desire a barrier but do not require PPE for their role and work
- Cloth masks can be distributed to patients in the hospital or at discharge who desire a mask and do not require PPE, which will help to conserve the hospital’s PPE
Ear Saver Instructions
In addition, because providers have to wear face masks for extended periods of time, it can cause skin breakdown and irritation. UMMC is seeking people to use 3-D printers to make plastic "ear savers" to alleviate the issue.
Ear Savers (3-D printed)
Susan Dorsey
5401 Hamlet Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21214
If you have any questions about connecting with Susan, please email her (sdorsey@umaryland.edu). Susan will deliver the face masks to UMSON weekly, and UMMC will arrange to send someone to UMSON to pick them up.
We greatly appreciate the caring people in the community who have joined in this effort to individually support the health care community.