We would like to clarify that the face masks sewn by BWA members are not intended to serve as a substitute for approved personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with potential COVID-19 patients.
Masks made by BWA members for hospitals are for use as supplementary equipment, either over N95 masks to extend how long they may be used or in lower-risk situations if approved PPE runs low. In two cases, health care organizations supplied sterilization wraps for BWA members to up-cycle into supplementary masks (see photos). Such masks can be heat or UV-C sterilized and reused if needed.
Many other masks made by BWA members, visible in the image collages below, are not intended for medical personnel but for community members going about essential activities such as grocery shopping.
The Hawaii Betsuin Buddhist Women’s Association has been participating in a mask-making effort to help limit community spread of the coronavirus. The masks have been distributed to health care workers, residents of nursing homes, residential care homes, foster care families, Maluhia, Kuakini Health Systems and Hale Pulama Mau.
In the collage below, the set of blue-and-white masks is an example of “re-use, recycle” as they were made from blue sterilization wraps provided by Hawaii Pacific Health and white sheets provided by Kahala Nui, a senior living community.
In the lower-left corner of the collage is Tamayo Matsumoto, who spearheaded the project. She delivered colorful masks with handcrafted “Thinking of You” tags made by Penny Atcheson to Craigside, a senior living condo where some of our BWA members reside.
Mahalo to the BRAVE-WILLING-AWESOME women and their ohana!
Click the thumbnail images to view two additional collages:
Photo collages by Ruth Tokumi with photos submitted by Arlene, Miki, Tamayo, Wendie, Sharon, Jo, and Penny. Article is based on text in the collages.
See also
BWA members make masks for healthcare workers and more on the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii website (includes DIY video)