DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – In a home in De Pere, Carol Bruess sits at a sewing machine surrounded by fabric and homemade face masks.
She’s just one of many volunteering their time to find a solution to healthcare workers and hospitals in need of protective gear.
Bruess tells FOX 11 the focus is on facemasks.
“We’re making some prototypes to give to the Bellin folks tomorrow and then they’re going to let us know if these are what they need or if we need to make some adjustments.”
She says the masks aren’t only for local healthcare workers, but anyone who may need a mask out in public.
But what about the effectiveness of the masks?
Bruess says she’s working with both county leaders and local medical professionals to make sure the face masks not only prevent the spread of coronavirus, but other germs too.
“We’re sadly in a public health crisis, so there’s room for innovation,” said Dr. Ryan Westergaard, Chief Medical Officer of Wisconsin’s Bureau of Communicable Diseases.
He says more information is needed before determining if reusable cloth masks actually work.
“I think we’re in a situation where we need to explore all these possibilities. But as of right now I don’t think we’re moving in that direction, but we’re encouraging all ideas are on the table.”
Bruess says every bit of innovation can be a big help.
“They aren’t going to keep out all of the germs and viruses but they do give people a little bit of extra protection from those droplets.”
As healthcare leaders, volunteers and hospitals search for solutions, Bruess says while the masks may not be perfect, it can be a step in the right direction.
