Local group addresses health crisis with homemade masks

Menifee resident Bob Combs distributes homemade masks in the Winco parking lot in Perris on Tuesday. Photo courtesy of Bob Combs

By Doug Spoon, Editor

There continues to be debate on a national level of the effectiveness – or lack thereof – of masks as a protection against the coronavirus. But although medical professionals offer differing theories while more is learned about COVID-19, one group of Menifee residents is taking action.

Led by Bob Combs, a retired engineer and Air Force officer, a group of residents calling themselves “Menifee Masketeers” is sewing masks from everyday fabric for donation to those who need them. Touting the hashtag #maskup, Combs says he is convinced that masks will protect people from spreading the virus, and that residents should “mask up” every time they leave the house.

Combs told Menifee 24/7 he has been researching the effectiveness of masks against the virus for about a month and has consulted medical professionals for their opinions.

“On March 3, I had information that face masks could be helpful,” Combs said. “By March 17, I had bought a sewing machine and was making my own masks.

“By March 22, I had confirmation. Asia is already a mask-wearing culture. Having traveled extensively in Japan, Korea and Thailand, I knew they had masks. By then, I had verified with friends in the Philippines, Korea, Japan, Malaysia and Tawian that masks are required in some or many buildings.”

Combs said he didn’t rely solely on that information. In correspondence with individuals and on his newly created Facebook pages, Menifee Masketeers and Umaskup, he quotes medical professionals such as Dr. Matt McCarthy, an infectious disease expert who on March 28 tweeted, “CDC guidance on masks expected to change in next 10 days. Americans will be advised to wear masks in everyday life. Current recommendation is for high-risk groups only.”

In its most recent public announcements, the Centers for Disease Control has not suggested the use of masks for those not infected with COVID-19. Some medical professionals have said that masks are not effective in stopping the spread of the disease. However, each day in the last week has brought more serious discussion among federal health officials about the possible use of masks in the general population.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has been a daily fixture at White House press conferences regarding COVID-19. Fauci told CNN on Tuesday that, “The idea of getting a much more broad, community-wide use of masks outside of the health care setting is under very active discussion at the [COVID-19] task force. The CDC group is looking at that very carefully.”

Combs’ warning to local residents to take up the “mask up” cause gained even more credibility late Tuesday when Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser made an announcement recommending that residents cover their mouth and nose when leaving home for “essential travel to doctor appointments, grocery shopping or pharmacy visits.”

Meanwhile, the order to stay at home except for essential travel, as well as social distancing, remains in effect.

“When the situation changes, the rulebook changes,” said Kaiser. “We’re seeing our numbers increasing even sooner than we predicted, and that means our strategy must change, too. Covering your face doesn’t change the orders everyone must abide by to stay home as much as possible and maintain social distancing, but it’s an extra layer of protection that I think we need to add.”

Kaiser’s announcement said that fabric covers and bandanas can be washed and used repeatedly. This is the method Combs and about a dozen others in his group are using to make masks for donation to Menifee seniors and others who need them.

Combs said his group has delivered close to 150 masks to local residents. They have another 200 “in the pipeline” and 50 ready for delivery today. They are producing about 50 a day, and Combs announces on his Facebook pages times his truck will be in specific neighborhoods to hand out the masks.

But he and the others need help, Combs said.

“We'd like to encourage people to make their own masks at home and wear them,” Combs said. “We believe we can meet the needs of Menifee area emergency responders. We would encourage others in their communities to reach out to their emergency sewing circles and engage.”

Combs acknowledged that health care workers are required to use certified medical masks. The masks he makes may be used as extra protection over the certified masks, but will more commonly be used by residents hoping to protect themselves and others.

Combs’ group has also received a request from a local hospital employee to make surgical caps doctors and nurses use in the operating room.

The masks being made by Combs and his group typically are designed of 100 percent cotton woven and knit materials. He said was buying material from any local fabric shops that were still open, in addition to ordering online through Amazon.

Those who would like to request a mask or help make masks and would like more information on the design process may consult the Facebook group Menifee Masketeers or Umaskup.

Bob Combs invites residents to his mask distribution site in a Facebook Live broadcast.