Coronavirus: Round Rock Announces Sewn Masks Drop-Off Locations

ROUND ROCK, TX — In light of recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding the use of cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of coronavirus, or COVID-19, the City of Round Rock has announced donation drop-off location for volunteers who are sewing surgical masks for area first responders and health care facilities.

With the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), the Round Rock Fire and Police Departments, Round Rock Public Library and Round Rock Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management are working to preserve their inventory to keep first responders and medical personnel safe as they respond to calls.

Community efforts to offer assistance in sewing surgical masks includes two local sewing clubs through the Round Rock Public Library and St. John Vianney Church. Toward that end, the City of Round Rock has opened three locations where the public and other local sewing clubs are able to drop off sewn masks, close-weaved fabric and elastic to be used to sew masks. The locations are:

• Central Fire Station — 203 Commerce Blvd.
  
• Fire Logistics Building — 3300 Gattis School Rd.
• Public Safety Training Center — 2801 North Mays

Collected masks will be laundered at a City of Round Rock fire station using CDC-approved disinfectant for coronavirus and distributed to area fire, police, EMS, and health care personnel. As non-medical grade devices, the masks will be worn by patients to prevent or slow the spread of germs while treated. Sewn masks may also be used as a cover over medically-approved masks worn by first responders and medical personnel to lengthen the life of the approved mask.

As the need for more volunteer opportunities arise, the Round Rock Fire and Police Departments, Round Rock Public Library and Round Rock Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will continue efforts to work together to identify these needs and reach out to the community via their updated page roundrocktexas.gov/coronavirus.

For a video tutorial including pattern and instructions for masks that may be donated, click on the link HERE.