Local group looking for help sewing masks

The BBSP (Blaine, Birch Bay, Semiahmoo, Point Roberts) Covid-19 Community Helpers group is looking for volunteers to help sew masks for people in the community.

The group started sewing face masks in March and is currently working to fulfill about 175 requests for masks, said Renie Hill, who is leading the group’s mask sewing effort. They've so far sewn about 500 masks.

The group can provide mask templates, fabric and elastic to those interested in sewing, Hill said. To get involved, find the group on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/blaineareacovid19helpers/ or email Hill at hskrggma@gmail.com.

Whatcom County issued a directive for people to wear face coverings in public beginning May 22. The directive states that people must wear a face covering while at any indoor or outdoor public space where they may be within six feet of someone who they do not live with. The directive is not enforced.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says cloth face coverings may slow the spread of the new coronavirus by stopping the spread of respiratory droplets discharged through sneezing, coughing, talking and breathing.