Suffolk Inmates Making Face Masks To Fight Coronavirus

RIVERHEAD, NY — Inmates at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility are making hundreds of cloth face masks to help in the fight against the new coronavirus.

According to Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon, the masks will be distributed to the inmate population, members of law enforcement, and other essential workers across Suffolk County

The program is being led by several Suffolk County correction officers who possess the skills to operate the jail’s industrial-sized sewing machines, along with a group of female inmates, some of whom had sewing skills, or expressed a willingness to learn and assist in the sewing effort, Toulon said.

So far, they have made more than 800 cloth face coverings and expect to have 1,200 in stock by the weekend.

Toulon said his staff has come together in creative and unique ways during the pandemic.

“I take the public health component of my responsibilities very seriously, and this is just one of a multitude of ways we are working to prevent the spread of coronavirus inside the Suffolk County Correctional Facility," he said. "The inmates are learning skills while giving back to society and helping to prevent the spread of COVID 19. It’s of great benefit to all."

Under the initiative, all county inmates will be issued two washable cloth masks. The cloth masks will also be made available to sheriff's office employees as needed.

To assist with the effort, the Sheriff’s Office is requesting donations of cotton cloth and elastic for the ear loops that are either 1/8” or 3 mm flat or round, white or black, woven or braided elastic in spools of any length, he said.

Anyone who wants to make a donation should contact Lieutenant Adeline Kuhnle, the project leader for the initiative, at adeline.ayres@suffolkcountyny.gov.