Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Q: Why are we making masks? A: There is a shortage of PPE (personal protective equipment) for healthcare workers due to the surge in mask usage because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are doing our part to supplement the supplies that are commercially available to local healthcare workers.

Q: Who are the masks for? A: Local healthcare workers.

Q: How do I make a mask? A: Step-by-step instructions and video demonstration will be available soon. Check our Facebook page for updates.

Q: How many masks do I need to make? A: Our initial mask making kits will provide materials for 10 masks. We ask that you complete the entire kit so that supplies are not wasted. We can provide additional, larger kits to repeat mask makers who would like to make more.

Q: Is there a pattern for me to use? A: Yes. It will be available soon.

Q: How do I get the materials? A: We are currently sourcing materials. If you have access to a large supply of glue guns, glue sticks (small and large), shop towels, Size 32 rubber bands or 20 gauge wire that we can have, please email us at maskscv@gmail.com and put “I have materials” in the subject line.

Q: Will mask making materials be delivered to me? A: Given the shelter in place order, we are revising our plan for this. More information will follow soon.

Q: What kind of material works for the masks? A: We are using what is commonly referred to as “shop towels”. We are experimenting with several brands.

Q: How long does it take to make a mask? A: About 15 minutes per mask.

Q: What do I do with the masks when I’ve made them? A: We are working on this, given the shelter in place order. We will update our plan soon.

Q: Who started Coachella Valley Mask Makers? A: At the request of local physicians, a small group worked with the physicians to make and experiment with the best type of mask to protect our healthcare workers. A prototype was agreed upon and we are ready to go once we obtain necessary materials. We thank you for joining us in this effort!

Q: Is this sanitary for the healthcare workers? A: We ask that you have clean hands while making the masks. In addition, the masks will all go through a sanitation process before use.

Q: Can I donate money toward the cause? A: We currently do not have an organization to accept donations on our behalf. If you have an organization that can help with this, please let us know. The masks are being made by volunteers. We are accepting donations of necessary supplies at the current time.

Q: Will these masks protect from the virus? A: The CDC has approved use of alternative materials for masks.

Q: How many masks do we need to make to supplement supplies? A: Our current goal is for volunteers to make 1,000 masks per day.

Q: Can local healthcare workers request masks? A: Requests for masks can be made through facility administrators.

Q: Do I need to know how to sew? A: The masks we are making do not require sewing skills nor a sewing machine.

Q: How much do the materials to make a mask cost? A: We are relying on volunteers to produce these masks. We estimate that the materials themselves cost around $20 per 100 masks.