Masks Needed: Clarification to Sewing Fabric Masks

ProMedica is grateful to the tremendous response to help sew face masks. As a point of clarification, these masks are not for use during the direct care of a patient whose condition requires a mask. Instead, they will be used in general areas for patients, visitors and nonclinical staff. ProMedica wants to make them available to help keep all employees and our limited visitors safe. The community donation of these masks will enable us to provide masks for everyone in the general areas without depleting the hospital-acquired surgical masks that are needed for patients. All collected masks will be immediately sent to laundry/processing to be prepared for use. Surplus masks will be distributed to local organizations in need.

In accordance with the CDC recommendation, ProMedica is recommending that people wear homemade masks when in public. The general public should use homemade masks and reserve surgical masks and N95s for frontline health care workers, who are more at risk.