Local heroes sewing facemasks to protect against Coronavirus

The number of medical supplies such as face masks began to dwindle as COVID-19 continued to spread.

Once again, members of the community took it upon themselves to help out in any way they knew how.

Alicia Sims Hobbs and Katrina Ivey-Chapman, just to name a couple, have begun making masks for themselves and others once they saw a need.

"I had left over fabric and just wanted to help," said Hobbs.

Orders have mostly been for individuals, but some have been group orders for businesses who were deemed essential.

Governor Bill Lee urged Tennesseans to wear a mask, as well as continue to take other safety precautions, this week in his Monday afternoon press conference.

Studies across the board have shown that the most effective masks are those that are tightly fitted to the face and contain a filter.

The masks the studies have referenced are surgical masks, called N95 respirators.

These masks need to be in the hands of those who are on the front lines; our health care workers.

Although homemade masks are less effective than the N95 masks, wearing a mask is more protective than not.

They are best to use when making that quick trip to the grocery store or pharmacy, but they are not to be used in place of social distancing.

But when observing the right safety precautions, homemade masks provide another much needed layer of protection against the virus.

There are measures that can make the masks more effective:

1. Wash your hands before handling the mask and putting it on.

2. Make sure your entire mouth and nose are covered when you put it on.

3. Tie it tightly.

4. Try not to touch it when you are out in public.

5. Take it off by untying the back or touching the elastic only in the back. Do not touch the front of your mask.

6. Wash the mask in the laundry immediately after each use so not to infect your other belongings.

7. Do not put your mask in the microwave to disinfect. According to our research, the masks can catch on fire.

8. Wash your hands after you have taken it off and placed the mask in the laundry.

If you plan on purchasing a homemade mask or making one, log onto Facebook and see which of your friends are making some.

Look for the masks that contain a filter on the inside for extra protection and remember that masks are not a substitute for staying inside and social distancing.

If you would like to make face masks of your own, refer to CNN's article entitled, "How to make your own face mask (whether or not you know how to sew)."