Due to increased demand for masks for health-care workers during COVID-19, University of Windsor researchers are working to help develop best practices in handmade mask designs.
Ken Drouillard, a professor from the University of Windsor’s School of the Environment, is leading a research team that is sourcing quality filtering fabrics and finding efficiencies in the production process in order to best support community sewing volunteers at the Windsor-Essex Sewing Force.
By working with experts including nurses, a physician, an infectious disease specialist, and an occupational health professional, the team has been able to test the prototypes to ensure quality, fit, breathability, comfort, as well as the level of protection provided, before volunteers begin sewing.
The team has also helped create a tracking system for requests and has already amassed 750 volunteers to help with production.
To learn more, visit University of Windsor.
