Via the daily Quarantine Facebook Scroll time, an MSN article from Indiana addressing the shortage of N95 masks came up on the feed. The very creative solution was homemade masks, with the CDC’s stamp of approval to boot. The people of Indiana got straight to work and provided more masks than needed, now the overflow is being redirected to other health-care facilities.
Since the beginning of the self-imposed isolation, finding creative ways to stay busy hasn’t been too difficult, but nothing beats creativity that helps others. So, gathering anything in the house that was 100% Cotton, as per the guidelines, looking over the video posted on how to make the masks and set off with the scissors and sewing machine. Thankfully finding plenty of fabric but not so much of the elastic, there was a clear beginning. After getting the pattern drawn and making about 3 or 4 that looked solid, it’s time to reach out to some friends working the front lines like nurses, pharmacy technicians and a teenager working at the nearby Publix. Most were happy to hear the news but didn’t know how to help however when reaching out to the grocery store employee, the conversation took an astounding turn.
For obvious reasons the employee will remain nameless:
After explaining the CDC guidelines and sending a picture of the first fully made masks, the employee was asked if they could use the donation and to please ask a manager.
The employee replied: “I can ask if anyone needs. Though we’re not really allowed to wear it in the store.”
After some initial shock, I asked why?
“Corporate said it causes panic…. no gloves either”
Still, shock.
“People come in, in masks and make us worry they have it or not. Also, we handle everyone’s food so the least we could do is wear gloves.”
Understanding that gloves are still a hot commodity this may not be possible, but a mask to protect your employees from getting it and further endangering the lives of their families or worse the elderly they are trying to keep safe by giving them an hour in the morning to shop alone.
Publix really needs to think more about this decision and come to terms with the fact that it’s a pandemic and there is already panic and fear here in Florida.
Edit: Publix seems to not be the only company that won’t allow masks. Companies like Plato’s Closet also seems to think professionalism is more important than safety or flattening the curve.