Mask-makers struggle to meet demand

KINNESHA GEORGE-HARRY

Masks are in short supply, as many people try to follow the guidance of health officials that they should wear masks when they are out in public.

On Monday, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said at a media briefing that with immediate effect, everyone venturing out into public spaces, including groceries and pharmacies, should wear masks to cover their mouths and noses. On Thursday, Newsday visited several pharmacies to gauge whether there is an adequate supply to meet demand. Pharmacies said they were sold out as requests for masks had increased.

There were none at Bhagan’s Drugs, Waterfront Pharmacy, Sinanan’s Westend Pharmacy or Shirvan Drugs. Store managers could not say when more wouldbecome available. Staff reported that they had seen a steady flow of people coming in for masks after the government’s announcement.

More people could be seen on the street wearing surgical masks or cloth masks, espcially in busy areas. Speaking at a virtual news conference held on Thursday by the THA Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development, county medical officer of health Dr Tiffany Hoyte said cloth masks are recommended for general use by the public. Surgical masks and the N95 masks are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders.

“It is highly recommended that the public wear their cloth masks in areas where there is high foot traffic – persons going to the pharmacies, the supermarkets, the banks etc,” she said, adding that people must follow the recommended procedure for using the masks. “Clean and sanitise your hands before putting on the masks and when you take them off. And of course, your cloth masks must be clean and dried thoroughly before reusing.”

Hoyte added masks cannot reduce the risk of contracting covid19. It is still essential to take personal protective measures: washing hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol based hand sanitiser; covering coughs and sneezes; avoid touching your face, avoid close contact with people who are ill; if ill, stay home.

“Sanitise frequently touched surfaces and of course, practise social distancing and a big key to that is to stay home and stay safe,” she said. A number of local designers have told Newsday demand for cloth masks has skyrocketed and they are struggling to fill the orders coming in.

Monifa StClair, manager and owner of House of Xarabii, said she made her first batch of face masks on April 5. “My first set of clients were essential workers. She decided to make masks on April 4, after the public were told to wear masks, she said. St Clair said she is not employed outside of sewing and as a designer, her main income came from special events.

“Since all events have been cancelled, I saw this as a lucrative venture to help my business survive what can be deemed as a drought period for designers across the world.

“I was hesitant to start mask production earlier because of a fear of not having the right fabric. However, I decided to only offer a Neoprene and cotton blend reversible mask in three sizes.” Neoprene, which is more expensive than cotton, is used for scuba diving suits.

“It’s thicker than the 100 per cent cotton which I have seen most persons use. Also, it’s not as easy for particles to penetrate. I really didn’t want to sell anyone ‘cat in bag.’ Hence the decision was made to use this fabric.” Her masks sell for $40 each and take a quarter yard of fabric.

She is currently fulfilling the demand on her own, but said, “if the orders continue at this pace, I am willing to subcontract cutters or even stitchers. “To date, I believe I have made around 80, and by the end of this week may be well over 150.” St Clair said she is still taking orders, though “It is a bit exhausting.”

Triscilla Joseph-Myers said she made her first batch of masks on April 7. Joseph-Myers runs TJM Designs and her masks are also sold at $40.

“I am trying to fulfil the orders in the time that people have asked for it, but I also want to give people who have to be out in public, the essential workers,” she said, She has made over 150 masks. Fabric is currently not a problem for her, as she usually keeps plenty in stock. She said she has lots of fabric in a variety of colours as, she sews colourful printed and patterned bags. But most people are requesting the darker colours for masks.