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Co Down seamstress turns hand to surgical face masks

Rita Longlands has been giving the masks to `the most needy in our community'
Rita Longlands has been giving the masks to `the most needy in our community' Rita Longlands has been giving the masks to `the most needy in our community'

COMMUNITY efforts to help stop the spread of coronavirus are continuing, with some using their time in lockdown and sewing skills to make face masks.

The surgical-style masks are being sewn along simple patterns for distribution to people caring for others and delivering supplies to those trapped in their homes.

Co Down woman Rita Longlands is one of the seamstresses trying to do her bit to `flatten the curve'.

The 65-year-old Newcastle dressmaker has been fashioning cloth masks from donated materials and distributed it to local folds for the elderly.

"I started last week and have made almost 300. A GP's receptionist contacted me and I delivered 15 of them to the surgery. A man contacted me from Seoul asking me for a four masks for his elderly mother and sister in Newcastle.

"I don't take any money for them because it wouldn't be right under the circumstances. I use what I have or duvets washed in Dettol that people give me if they want. The local haberdashers Wadsworths donated 60 metres of elastic.

"I wear a mask and gloves and leave them outside for collection."

Experts say such masks, similar to those worn by dentists while treating patients, do not provide complete protection against the virus as the relatively thin coverings allow tiny droplets to seep in.

The World Health Organization suggests they be worn while taking care of a person suspected of having Covid-19 or if the wearer is coughing or sneezing, but stress such masks are only effective when they are used in combination with frequent and proper hand-washing.

A study of homemade face masks by SmartAirFilters.com found cotton (T-shirts and pillowcases) was the best material for DIY versions, because it can capture some particles yet remain breathable.

It found them comparable to surgical-grade masks, with homemade efforts recommended to free much-needed supplies for medics.