Masks to help limit spread of virus will be available Monday; not a first or best line of defense, mayor says

Mayor Grayson Vandegrift posted this photograph of a packaged mask and its instruction sheet.

Masks made by dozens of Midway volunteers to help thwart the coronavirus will be available at City Hall next week through telephone appointments, Mayor Grayson Vandegrift announced today.

Vandegrift said residents wanting masks should City Hall at 859-846-4413 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, say how many masks of each size, adult's or child's, that they want. "We’re asking one per person, please," Vandegrift said. "We will then arrange for folks to bring their vehicle to the parking spot parallel to the front door and Sonya or Cindy will toss them in the back window to keep social distancing. One can also be placed through the night slot to a person."

For those who are unable to come to City Hall, the mayor said, "Arrangements can be made to have volunteers deliver, but there may be a bit of a time lag in that process. . . . Masks are still being made and finished as we go, so if at any time we have run out of masks, we’ll be letting people know that this would only be temporary and we will make sure everyone who wants one gets one."

The mask packets include an instruction sheet, which Vandegrift said should be read carefully. "A mask is not our first or best line of defense, just an added layer of protection," he said.

Vandegrift said the project has taken off so well that that Amy Bowman at Midway Makers Market, who came to him with the idea, is getting orders from health-care providers. "It’s so heartening to see Midway and its people continue to lead," he said. "Many thanks to Amy and Ann at Midway Makers Market, Diamond Graphics, and all of our wonderful volunteers. We will get through this together."