Then one of her caregivers mentioned she had just paid
"I suddenly had the idea to make some face masks for my physiotherapist so that she could protect herself and her patients better,” Lagae said.
What started as a one-person operation about a week ago has mushroomed into a small army of home sewing Belgian mask makers. Membership in Lagae's Facebook page — “Mondmaskers Naaien” (Sewing Mouth Masks) — jumped to 3,000 two days after she started it and hit 5,300 on Friday.
In another boost to
Lagae, 31, from Torhout in western
She makes her masks using two layers of cotton fabric so they can be washed at 90 C (194 F) and reused, taking care to ensure the masks fit well around the nose and chin.
Each member can produce about 20 masks per day, and it isn't only women sewing.
“We have plenty of men,” she said.
There is no suggested quota for members, with Lagae stressing that “every mask does count.”
“So everyone who wants to help is welcome, even if you only make one a day," Lagae said.
It’s unclear how the protection provided by home-sewn, reusable masks compare to mass produced masks, but masks are in very short supply with the
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever or coughing. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. About 93,800 people have recovered, mostly in
Among
“I had a lot of extra fabric at home, and also my sister-in-law works in a hospital as a midwife and they are affected by the shortage of masks," she said. “I will also bring some to my doctors in the neighborhood and to the nursing homes.”
Mask making volunteer
"The government first told us weeks ago they weren’t needed, then all of the sudden they say it’s better to wear them,” she said. “Since I couldn’t find them anywhere I made (one) myself. Everyone was laughing at me, and now all my friends want one.”
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