Mask-making during COVID-19

Amid the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, companies and sewing
groups across the United States are switching normal production up by making
protective personal equipment (PPE).
PPE shortages are widespread due to panic buying, rising demand and misuse. These
shortages are endangering healthcare workers and leaving them to address patients
without the protective precautions of medical masks, goggles, face shields, gowns and
aprons, according to the World Health Organization.
“Without secure supply chains, the risk to healthcare workers around the world is real,”
said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Industry and
governments must act quickly to boost supply, ease export restrictions and put
measures in place to stop speculation and hoarding. We can’t stop COVID-19 without
protecting healthcare workers first.”
So industries in the United States stepped up. Fashion and jewelry companies from
Brooks Brothers to Tiffany and Co. are pitching in to help with the ongoing medical
supply shortages.
Kendra Scott, a jewelry brand based in Austin, Texas, announced their decision to
repurpose their yellow bandanas.
“We’re collaborating with some in Austin, Lubbock, and New Orleans to sew masks out
of our custom bandanas to distribute to their local hospitals and clinics,” the company
said on Instagram.
The fabric handbag company Vera Bradley is also lending their hand amid the COVID-
19 pandemic, creating masks out of their original fabrics.
“Our company and associates are honored to be able to contribute to the cause during
this difficult and challenging time,” said CEO Rob Wallstrom in a statement.
Other companies are also lending a helping hand; these brands include Levi Strauss
and Co., Burberry, Kate Spade New York and Gucci.
Name brand companies aren’t the only ones making a difference in providing PPEs,
however. In Southern Illinois, the Shawnee Quilting Guild is using its passion of sewing
for good.
According to The Southern Illinoisan, these quilters use surgical barrier drapes and
cotton as material and have created hundreds of masks for their community. This guild
is one of many groups that are helping to keep health care workers equipped to battle
the virus.