MORE than 600 facemasks and scrub bags have been delivered out to care homes, shop workers, taxi drivers and lone carers in the Liskeard area thanks to a hardworking group of volunteers.

The Caradon Covid19 Facemask group came together following a request posted on social media by Jayne Darlington. All those involved had expressed the wish to do something to help after hearing about a lack of PPE in the social care sector and for other local key-workers.

The group now has more than 15 women from around the Caradon area, and ranges from those who sew professionally, to those working and sewing in their spare time, and those who have been furloughed from their normal positions.

When the group makes a delivery of masks they supply two masks per person in a sealed bag, with a record of when it was packed.

’Originally we were using whatever we could find in our cupboards in terms of material, elastic and bias binding,’ said Jayne.

’Members of the public have been donating items such as sheets and duvet covers, but most of the supplies have been bought by the ladies themselves.

’As the demand is growing, we need more help.  Requests are coming in all the time and last week alone we produced over 200 face masks.’

Jayne says it’s important to point out that the masks do not replace social distancing or hand hygiene, and must be used correctly and washed after every use in hot soapy water.

’They will not stop you catching the virus, but are said to slow down the virus,’ she said.

’Wearing a facemask may prevent a person who has the virus but shows no symptoms from passing it on. They do not replace the surgical masks that front line workers require.’

Jayne emphasized that the general public do not need to wear a surgical mask and should leave supplies of these for those that need them the most, such as the social care sector and the NHS.

The group were recently given funding of £250 from Liskeard Town Council which has allowed them to negotiate with Trago Mills for supplies of material and elastic. The group would like to thank both organisations for all their help in this process.

Local keyworkers are requested to contact the group by looking for Caradon Covid19 Face Mask Group on social media. Alternately email Jayne on [email protected]