Frequently Asked Questions
What is this group?
We are a volunteer group of folks from Gainesville, Florida working to help fight COVID-19 with whatever skills and materials we have on hand or can find. We include quilters, makers, 3D printers, current and former city officials, UF professors and students, nurses, doctors, Days for Girls (DFG), and others. We are talking to UF Health, the VA, doctors and others to help.
Are cloth masks even useful?
There is published research that indicates that cloth masks are nowhere near as effective in filtering viruses as compared to real surgical masks, or the N95 masks that are most used and recommended in health care settings. However, they do catch droplets and are better than no covering for the nose and mouth, particularly for those who are ill and are coughing, talking, touching their faces, thus spreading the disease.
Who will get these masks?
We are taking requests and will do so throughout the duration of this crisis. We are hoping that real medical supply production and distribution catches up with demand soon. We now have commitments to make over 2,000 fabric masks to start, mostly through Days for Girls.
How is 3D printing involved?
The 3D printed plastic masks and shields should meet medical personnel needs, use open source designs from all over, and are in process, but not yet available as of March 25, 2020.
How do I know what to make?
Local volunteers have been researching and trying different fabric mask designs. Most have agreed that the easiest and most functional design is the one that was encouraged by Deaconess Hospital in Indiana. Find out more about making masks here.
Many local folks do not have much non-latex elastic, a key component of this design. As an alternative, you can also make four 15” ties out of the same cloth and attach them to the mask corners as is done with the elastic in the Deaconess video/instructions.
Many are also leaving a 3” opening at the top or a 2” opening on either side so that a real surgical mask or some filter material (such as from an AC filter) can be inserted; if you do this, 10”x13” size may work better. These masks may extend the useful life of real surgical masks by giving them a washable exterior cover. Some are also adding stainless steel wire in the nose to tighten the fit, but it should be either sewn tightly in or easily removed for washing.
The main thing to focus on is making them of light colored 100% cotton if possible, tightly woven; and good quality fabric that can be washed and bleached repeatedly.
What if I don’t sew or 3D print but want to help?
We need people with all skills. You may be able to lend or donate sewing machines, fabric, thread or elastic. You may be able to help with pickup/delivery. Please fill out our online form or leave us a message on our voice mail, 352-519-1001.
The Community Foundation of North Central Florida is accepting donations for this work as well, please visit cfncf.org and click on “Donate” then “Covid Response Fund.” There is a $10,000 challenge grant from Gladys Cofrin and Dan Logan to match other donations to cover costs for this effort and the 3D printing of face shields or masks, and other community needs. Days for Girls has cut fabric, elastic and sewing machines ready to be used, or will shortly, see below.
Where do I take or send finished masks?
Days for Girls is at 1001 NE 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, and they are open Tues, Thurs, Fri from 1-5 PM. You can call 352-275-9966 if you want someone to come out of DFG to pick up from you; bring in clean plastic bags. You can also mail to DFG at P.O. Box 1755 Alachua FL 32615, or drop at the Little Free Library at 729 NE 10th Place, Gainesville FL.
