Custom non-medical grade masks made in Meadow Lake. (submitted photo/Sylvia Mutch)

By Nicole Reis

LOCAL NON-MEDICAL GRADE MASKS

Local seamstress stepping up to sew non-medical grade masks

Apr 7, 2020 | 1:33 PM

In her address to Canadians, the country’s Chief Public Health officer Dr. Theresa Tam said wearing a face mask can help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 if you are unknowingly infected.

Sylvia Mutch, owner of Honey Bunches custom child and adult clothing, told meadowlakeNOW she stepped in to fill a community need for non-medical grade masks.

“I started doing this about two weeks ago,” she said. “So far, I’ve made 124 masks which are already out in the community and I’ve just received an order for 70 more. Some orders are coming in from as far away as Beauval.”

Originally from Nova Scotia, Mutch has taught sewing and home economics at a number of reservation schools in the North for the past 37 years.

Her masks are made of two layers of 100 per cent cotton. They tie around the head as opposed to elastics around the ears. Mutch said the tighter the thread count of cotton, the more protective a custom mask may be.

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“I will make for healthcare workers first before I make them for personal use,” she said.

To date, Honey Bunches made custom masks for a local paramedic, nurses located in the North, NorthWest Community Lodge Association employees and local homecare professionals.

Mutch is strictly practicing social-distancing and said she will not ship masks outside of town. Those who choose to make an order are required to pick up their mask in front of her home.

She said she does not have a set price tag for her masks, however she is accepting tokens of appreciation in the way of baked goods, preserves, gift cards or e-transfers.

“Honey Bunches’ business is at a standstill and some people don’t know where their next dollar is coming from,” she said. “I’m home working and I thought I might as well make masks.”

Mutch is encouraging local seamstresses in Meadow Lake, especially quilters, to join her in making non-medical grade face masks for the community.

“I would love for more people in Meadow Lake, especially those quilters who have quilting cotton,” she said. “I would love for other people to step up.”

Mutch added while her masks are not medical grade, the mere practice of wearing a mask may train individuals to not touch their face while out in public.

Health Expert Recommendations

During the press conference, Tam said recent studies on the virus prompted changes to mask guidelines.

“We want everyone to be clear, the science is not certain, but we need to do everything we can so Canadians can take this additional measure where social distance is difficult to maintain,” Tam said. “This may add a layer of protection to prevent you from transmitting to others before you actually know you have the illness.”

Masks do not eliminate the necessity to continue social-distancing practices of being at least two meters from another person. Tam’s strongest advice is to practice regular hand washing, coughing into an elbow and staying home if you are sick or have travelled.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722