KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Following an update from Governor Gretchen Whitmer Monday, health officials in Kalamazoo County are recommending that citizens wear face masks when out in public.
The preventative measure is recommended especially for areas where social distance is difficult to maintain. The use of simple cloth face coverings may slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.
However, Governor Whitmer stressed that the surgical and N95 masks should be left for those on the front lines and residents leaving their homes for essential trips should only wear hand made face masks or other coverings.
“I do not want people to have a false sense of security when they wear a face covering in public. People should still adhere to all of the other CDC and MDHHS guidelines such as maintain six feet away from people, wash your hands, and cover your cough and sneeze,” Kalamazoo County Health Officer Jim Rutherford said. “Recommending people to wear face coverings in public does not mean they are immune to COVID-19. It means you are choosing to protect everyone that is around you in case you may be infected with COVID-19 but not showing any symptoms.”
Cloth face coverings can be fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost. The CDC has issued Sew and No Sew Instructions on their website.
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department (HCS) is also making an urgent appeal for residents to donate much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies to combat COVID-19. The donated products will add to the County inventory designated for preparedness efforts, and will be sent to facilities throughout the County according to need.
New and unused items that will be accepted include:
- Disposable surgical or home-sewn masks
- Commercial or Medical-Grade Respirator masks: (N95, R95, P95, N100, or P100)
- Disposable gowns and/or water-repellant fabric gowns or coveralls
- Nitrile gloves in all sizes (no Latex)
- Eye protection, including face shields and safety goggles.
- Hand sanitizer* (with at least 60% alcohol)
- Cotton or cotton/poly blend fabric (in at least half yard pieces up to full bolts)
- Sanitizing wipes* and cleaners that are antimicrobial or bleach based
- Medical thermometers (forehead or infrared only; no old mercury).
*These items must be new, unopened and not expired.
“As we continue to respond to COVID-19 pandemic in our county and prepare for an increase in positive reported cases, we know PPE and the other items will be needed,” Rutherford said. “PPE is in critical short supply. We’re asking the community to check their basements, garages, and other areas in their home for any unused supplies that they could donate to help our health care workers.”
People can still make and donate home-sewn masks. The fabric must be breathable material. Any pattern is acceptable and HCS includes three sample patterns on their website at www.kalcounty.com/hcs/covid19.php, under the Questions section.
The latest information about COVID-19 can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html or www.michigan.gov/coronavirus.
Information specific to Kalamazoo County can be found at www.kalcounty.com/hcs/covid19.php.
