I have so many mixed emotions about this “mask-making” that has hit the craft world. Let me start with this — I have been a public health nurse since the last century. I’ve seen everything from the onset of the AIDS epidemic, vaccine preventable disease outbreaks to novel influenza. I’m puzzled by the lack of personal protective equipment across our nation.

The fact that we need to make masks is our failure to support public health preparedness. The data is unclear that homemade masks will protect nurses, physicians and the health care workforce. Asking professionals to reuse masks, or make their own, creates unsafe conditions. This is unacceptable. The health care workforce on the frontlines of this outbreak must have the right equipment to be safe.

The CDC recommendation is to use a bandana or homemade device when no other personal protective equipment is available.

No personal protective equipment available? Do you want to receive care from someone who is “reusing” personal protective equipment?

Please don’t misunderstand. Make masks! Apparently, we are going to need them. And, for every mask you make, consider a random act of kindness, make a donation to a small business, order take-away from a local restaurant.

Most importantly, email and call our federal delegation daily demanding appropriate action on the part of the federal government to rally our amazing national resources to make enough personal protective equipment available, now.

Teresa Garrett

Salt Lake City