Woburn Coronavirus: Library 3D Prints PPE, 92 Cases

WOBURN, MA — Woburn has 92 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, as of Thursday afternoon, the city said. Forty-eight are active cases, while two residents have died and the remaining 42 have recovered.

The city also reported Thursday that the Woburn Public Library has been 3D printing personal protective equipment since March 18.

"The Woburn Public Library has four 3D printers, and has also formed a coalition with the Framingham and Medway Public libraries as well, bringing together a total of 9 3D printers," according to the announcement. "Library staff have made approximately 100 face masks using the 3D printers, and have transitioned to make face shields and face bands as guidelines have evolved regarding which face coverings are most effective."

The city produced the following video on the library's efforts.

Woburn Public Library, which has four 3D printers, has formed a nine printer coalition with the Framingham and Medway Public Libraries. As of Thursday, the libraries have made 100 face masks and 45 face shields, and donated them to Lowell General Hospital, Milford Regional Medical Center and area first responders. They have begun making face bands as well.

"I think it's a really uplifting story for the city, showing that there is a silver lining to this and we have a really strong community," Mayor Scott Galvin said. "When we stick together, that's when good things happen."

The masks take seven hours to print, face shields take 4.5 hours, and face bands take 40 minutes, according to the news release.

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Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.