Hand sanitizer will not be provided to inmates. “We are currently giving them free bars of soap and easy access to water. Alcohol-based products are dangerous. Not only are they potentially flammable, but they could pose adverse health effects if consumed,” Frakes said.

The inmates are paid $1.08 per hour, the top wage.

About 27 inmates are making masks at the Omaha Correctional Center, and many said they were happy to help.

“Helping the community is such an important part of my personal mission,” Terry, a Cornhusker employee at the Omaha correctional facility, said in comments provided by prison officials. “The chance to make an impact in the community is rare in prison.”

Samuel, also from the Omaha facility, said: “I am happy to be able to use my time and skills to be a part of something very positive. It helps me believe that I have value and I can give back to others when I return to the community.”

Elder said the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women in York will soon start producing masks.

“It has been wonderful to see the talents and experience of several individuals being applied to this project,” Elder said.