Utah’s colleges, universities unite around sewing masks for frontline workers

UPDATED: MAY 14, 2020 AT 5:06 AM

Weber State University’s mascot Waldo sews a mask in support of the ‘Sew Your True Colors’ campaign among public, private and nonprofit colleges and universities in Utah. Weber State College

BY MARY RICHARDS
KSLNewsRadio

SALT LAKE CITY — College students are now getting involved in ProjectProtect, the state-wide effort of sewing 5-million medical-grade masks for Utah’s front-line workers.

This is the fourth week of the project. Now, every Utah university and college has launched the “Sew Your True Colors” campaign. The schools have asked students, professors, employees, and school-fans to sew masks using thread colors that represent their favorite school.

“So when the health care workers are provided these masks, they can identify what institution has taken the pride to sew those masks,” said Dave Woolstenhulme, Utah’s interim commissioner of higher education.

Volunteers can sign up at the ProjectProtect web page, and then pick up their kits of 100 masks at one of six donation sites between Harrisville and St. George.

The kits have everything the sewer needs, except the thread. Volunteer sewers are asked to return the completed masks on Saturday, May 30 at the same location where they picked up the kit.

“I am overjoyed to see all higher education institutions in Utah coming together to support our medical workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Harris H. Simmons, Chair of the USHE Board of Regents in a statement.

“By working together, we can reach the goal of producing 5 million medical-grade pieces of PPE through this meaningful effort.”

If you volunteer you will need a sewing machine, thread, scissors and pins. But you do not need a high level of sewing skills to produce these masks.

Detailed instructions will be provided. Many volunteers have engaged their entire family to pin, cut and sew. Others have divided the 100 masks between neighbors, families and friends.

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
Don’t touch your face.
Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
Get a flu shot.