The Peterborough Regional Health Centre is asking for the public's assistance in the 1,000 Mask Challenge.

The hospital is calling on community members to sew and share handmade masks, not for health-care workers, but for patients who still have to visit the hospital for care, approved visitors, patients being discharged and people in the community.

Hospital staff will use approved personal protective equipment. "By creating these masks, you will help PRHC in preserving certified PPE for our health care providers and support staff," states a press release issued Saturday.

PRHC is promoting a simple pleated mask that can be made with standard sewing supplies. Materials needed include clean dark-coloured polyester for the outside of the mask (this can be substituted with 100 per cent cotton if polyester is not available), clean light-coloured 100 per cent cotton for the part of the mask that goes against the skin and elastic or fabric ties.

The pattern is available here for masks with elastics and here for masks with ties.

Masks can be dropped off seven days a week, from 9 a.m.-8 p.m., at the hospital's main entrance. Put the masks in a plastic bag with your name, address, email and phone number, the hospital advises.

Bonnie Mackey at bmackey@prhc.on.ca or 705-743-2121, ext. 3325, can answer further mask questions.