Firefighters continue to make mask shields

Volunteer firefighters continue to make mask shields for the community.

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Laurie grace-captain/emt 13-18 joe pennell- fire chief 47-55 nats the central oktibbeha volunteer fire department made over 200 masks in three weeks..

And they say they are not stopping anytime soon.

((sot)) "it became quickly apparent getting ppe was going to be challenging."

Laurie grace-captain/emt 0:13;06-0:18;02 laurie grace is a a capatain at the fire department and an emt for the och regional medical center.

She saw an immediate need for masks in the community once the coronavirus surfaced in the area.

"a lot of folks were talking about sewing masks that go over the nose and face..i'm no seamstress, but i like solving problems. fire chief joe pennell said these masks serve a different purpose than the paper and cloth ones.

((sot)) "much safer to use in an environment where you got a positive patient that's actively coughing."

Joe pennell- fire chief 0:47;15-0:55;21 he said they have a clear face shield that goes over the paper or cloth mask..

And protects your eyes, nose, feom any aerosols or droplets.

Since the plastic masks are in high demand ...the first responders are on a mission to find places that need them the most.

"ally of people didn't sign up to..they want to squirt water and fight fires.

They didn't really want to get into this but so far it's been real good."

The fire department sells each mask for 5 dollars.

They do not make a profit but ask for donations to cover the cost of supplies.

Live in oktibbeha county nicole dantzler wtva nine news.

The new site is the parking lot of the