Volunteers at the BC Pensioners and Seniors Organization in Nanaimo worked as fast as they could, sewing up isolation gowns and masks to help health care workers stay safe in this pandemic.
“Somebody has to do it,” said Nanaimo senior Fran Nicklom.”And if we can help then that’s what we do.”
“Front line workers want them when going to and from home,” said fellow volunteer and senior Irene Morrison. “So, they’re not taking any germs home.”
But while they are focused on helping front line workers, who they call heroes, the seniors know they’re vulnerable to the virus themselves.
“I don’t want to give any germs out or get any really,” said Morrison. “It just protects.”
As they worked, each senior wore a homemade mask of their own.
“Whether or not it’s necessary,” said Susan Jarvis. “It just makes me feel better.”
In recent days, homemade masks fashioned out of scarves, and even washcloths have become increasingly common for use in public.
And you can expect to see more of them now that the Centre for Disease Control in the U.S. is recommending everyone going out wear one now.
A similar message is now being echoed by Canada’s chief public health officer, Theresa Tam, who has now changed her tune. Tam had previously been quoted as saying masks weren’t much use for people out in public.
But on Sunday, she said those who can’t socially distance while in public should wear them in lieu of no protection.
“Wearing a non-medical mask is an additional measure,” she said.
Officials still say that regular hand washing and use of hand sanitizer is the safest way to keep yourself from getting sick.
There are now 15,496 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Canada, according to Health Canada.
Skye Ryan
