Faribault Fire Chief Dustin Dienst hopes to give us the number tomorrow (Monday) of masks donated to his department.  He told me many plastic bags were donated filled with multiple masks.  I stopped by the Fire Station just before the 2:00 p.m. deadline to donate.  Firefighters at the station had just left as I was arriving so I was unable to speak with anyone there.

Governor Walz asked Minnesotans to make masks this week and donate to their local fire departments from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2020.

While I was at the station taking pictures a woman came limping up the front sidewalk and placed a plastic bag containing 18 masks.  She told me it takes her about 15 minutes to make each mask.  She apologized for her gait to which I replied no apology is needed.

She shared the fact she lives at Robinwood Manor and has been making masks for the residents there,  To which, I gave her thanks.

The masks in the plastic bag were made with a rainbow of different colors.  Fabric was not hard for her to obtain but elastic has been another story.

"I can't sit still for very long." she said, "I have to get up and do something else after every couple masks."  She does use a sewing machine.

There were many plastic bags filled with masks.  Each of those bags I'm sure has a equally interesting story.

It would be understandable to most of us if this woman, who was clearly in pain, would sit still and take care of herself.

Instead she took delight in being able to help others by making masks.

Thanks to all those who donated.

Chief Dienst told us during a AM Minnesota program last week wearing a mask helps you protect others if you are a carrier of the coronavirus.

The World Health Organization has these recommendations on when and how to wear  "medical masks to protect against (the) coronavirus."

  • Before pulling on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-cased hand rub or soap and water.
  • Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
  • Avoid touching the mask while using it; it you do clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
  • Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.
  • To remove the mask:  Remove it from behind (do not touch the front of the mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
  • If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with COVID-19.
  • Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
  • Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
  • If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.

This bit of information on the WHO website I found very interesting.  Wouldn't you think it would be easy enough to determine this?

World Health Organization
World Health Organization
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