In these difficult and frightening times, many people have come forward to help our community in a variety of ways. I want to give a BIG thank you to all who have stepped up to help our community, especially all those workers on the front lines, whether in our hospitals, medical clinics, ambulances, law enforcement, or essential businesses. We cannot get through these times without their invaluable contributions.

With the Center for Disease Control recommending the wearing of masks, numerous people have volunteered to sew masks.

However, it is vital that the masks be fabricated in a way that will in fact be protective.

There are numerous guidelines and patterns on the internet from reputable sources that can guide those who are making masks as well as those who are purchasing masks: e.g., the Center for Disease Control (https://www.dcd.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html), the New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/article/how-to-make-face-mask-coronavirus.html?referringSource=articleShare), and the Seattle Times (https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/want-to-sew-your-own-face-mask-heres-a-video-tutorial/).

Having recently purchased two beautiful masks, I quickly learned that they did not follow the guidelines, did not fit people with hearing aids and were not sufficiently protective.

Having learned my lesson, I would encourage anyone who is looking to purchase a mask to visit these sites to learn more about what to look for in purchasing and/or making a mask as well as how to clean the mask.

I am sure that we all want to do our part in ensuring that we do not unknowingly spread this virus by providing or wearing masks that are not protective.

Remember that the CDC is recommending that we all wear a mask in public not so only to protect ourselves but to protect others in our community.

That is a small enough sacrifice that each of us can make for each other.

Alix Foster

Pleasant Ridge