Will health care workers actually use homemade masks? Not while caring for COVID-19 patients

The spread of the new coronavirus has left health care workers faced with severe face mask shortages, prompting some sewing enthusiasts to use their talents to help those on the front lines of the pandemic.

But can health care workers actually use these DIY masks? Yes, but there's a catch: Some Valley hospitals won't let their staff use them when caring for COVID-19 patients.

CDC: A 'last resort' option

Homemade face masks are not considered to be personal protective equipment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

However, the CDC advises that health care professionals may use them as a "last resort" when surgical face masks are not available.

The CDC recommends health care professionals use caution when considering this option, and said the homemade masks should be used with a "face shield" extending to, or below, the chin.

Banner employees can use homemade masks, but not around COVID-19 patients

Banner Health said in a March 24 press release said that it "has enough important equipment" in its 28 hospitals. They noted that N-95 masks, surgical/procedural masks and protective face shields or goggles that can be worn over glasses were needed.

The hospital network said it "welcomes the donation of homemade masks," but that only approved, medical-grade masks could be used by health care workers directly caring for patients in isolation for COVID-19 to be in line with "rigorous" infection prevention standards.

"While they are not appropriate for preventing disease transmission, homemade masks make some health care workers feel more comfortable at work, and they preserve our inventory of personal protective equipment for those who need it most," the statement read.

Those wanting to donate their DIY masks, time, money or other resources to Banner Health employees are asked to complete an online form at www.bannerhealth.com/COVIDHelp.

A Banner Health team member will follow up with those who submit the form to gather additional information and coordinate logistics while still taking the necessary precautions to curb the spread of coronavirus. The hospital network asked that supplies only be delivered after discussions with staff and that no one bring donations directly to Banner hospitals.

"Considering social distancing is a priority, careful coordination and a process for dropping off supplies is necessary," Banner said.

All donations must be received in an unopened, sealed box or container.

"Amid this unprecedented time in our history, it has been incredible to witness the generosity of our community members who want to give back," Banner Health Foundation President and CEO Andy Kramer Petersen wrote in a statement. "We continue to be inspired by the many people, groups and companies offering to help, even while caring for their own families in these rapidly shifting times."

HonorHealth not accepting homemade supplies

HonorHealth, which operates five hospitals in Phoenix and Scottsdale, was not accepting homemade masks as of March 28.

The hospital network was accepting donations of supplies including N95, surgical and procedure masks, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, face shields, goggles and eye shields, isolation or surgical gowns, CAPR/PAPR machines and disposables, flocked swabs, and tympanic and infrared thermometers and covers.

All donations must be in unopened, original packaging.

Those wanting to donate supplies are asked to call 480-587-6600 or email COVID19Supplies@honorhealth.com to coordinate a drop-off time.

Dignity Health and Abrazo Community Health Network did not immediately respond to inquiries from The Arizona Republic Saturday.

Republic reporter Chelsea Hofmann contributed to this report.

Reach the reporter at bfrank@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8529. Follow her on Twitter @brieannafrank.

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