Coronavirus: WilCo 'Mask Brigade' Making Face Coverings

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — County officials are looking for a few good seamstresses to form a "Mask Brigade" to distribute homemade protective face coverings amid the coronavirus outbreak to those in most need.

Among those benefiting from the effort will be first responders, medical professionals and others dealing with a shortage of personal protective equiment — so-called PPEs in the medical parlance. Leading the "Mask Brigade" will be 26th District Court Judge Donna King, the county said in a press advisory.

Working in partnership with COVID Rangers and Reid’s Cleaners, the volunteer task force will make fabric masks intended to provide a layer of protection from transmission of airborne contaminants, organizers said. The face coverings then will be distributed to those at the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19, officials explained.

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“We are calling on anyone with experience as an embroiderer or a seamster, or with sewing experience, or who might be handy with a pair of scissors to pitch in and help out,” King said in a prepared statement.

The aim of the initiative is to provide guidance to those willing to volunteer their time, skills and materials to create two different types of masks. The Wilco Mask Brigade page provides instructions and specifications needed along with drop-off information. There are two models of masks being accepted:

The first is the COVID Ranger Mask, designed to go over the N95 mask to extend the life of the N95 mask being used by the medical professionals and first responders.

The second model, the Pleated Pattern Mask, is intended for official distribution to other identified groups.

There are a number of different designs in circulation, officials noted, but the Mask Brigade will be using these two specific patterns in order to ensure that the masks are standardized.

“The Wilco Way is all about stepping up and helping others and joining the Mask Brigade is one way for our talented residents to do just that," Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said. "I am grateful to Judge King for leading this effort, and I invite our amazing Williamson County residents to join her.”

Those interested in participating are urged to visit www.wilco.org/howcanIhelp or contact organizers at COVID-19Masks@wilco.org for more information.