RICHMOND, Va. -- Two Richmond organizations are teaming up to hold a mask-making contest for the essential employees not always thought of -- and you can participate right from your living room.
Indie Lab is working with The Carol Adams Foundation to hold the competition.
For their first contest, they're trying to get 200 masks to the employees of Home Depot on Broad Street in Richmond.
Whoever makes 200 masks first, wins a one-year membership to the Valentine Museum and a Lenovo backpack.
Rachel Robinson, Board Member of The Carol Adams Foundation and part of Indie Lab, said she doesn't want anyone to be left out.
"Everybody was making masks at home, but it was like what do I do with these masks? I just give them to my family," said Robinson. "So the idea came of like, 'Hey, why don’t we make prizes and get them to essential workers?' So not just medical workers. We’d like to get them there -- but people who work at Lowe’s, 7/11, the grocery store. Because these people are being left out."
Robinson said while masks will go to Home Depot employees, future contests will help other workers.
"We plan on having a next one right after that so it's like, 'Hey I'm 100 masks in, I need to win the prize,' and to just keep going," Robinson said, "And we hope to implement this around the country."
Bill Slavin, Executive Director of Indie Lab, said he wanted to help bring more awareness and safety.
"It's not rocket science," said Slavin. "People need to know that wearing a mask is going to help not only you, but everyone else."
Robinson also added that they hoped to unite people in a difficult time.
"There's a lot of uncertainly and fear and we, and we wanted to re-establish that you have your community. And when communities come together, even if you're strangers, with a common goal which is to help people, we can do great things together," Robinson said."We all don't need to be doctors to do great things, we can do great things in our living rooms to help people."
The contest is ongoing now, so once you've made your masks you can reach out to the Crafters United Against Covid' Facebook page.
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COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.Avoid non-essential travel.