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Cattaraugus County Jail inmates volunteer to make face masks

The Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office initiated the program for inmates to volunteer their time to learn to sew and make the masks.

FRANKLINVILLE, N.Y. — Five inmates in the Cattaraugus County Jail are volunteering to make cloth face masks for essential workers. 

The Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office initiated the program for inmates to volunteer their time to learn to sew and make the masks. A probation officer showed the women how to make the masks.

They created 95 masks on their first day. The masks will be donated to first responders and essential workers.

Materials were donated by the Department of Aging.

Cattaraugus County currently has 33 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the county. Ninety-five residents are currently in mandatory quarantine, and 22 people have recovered. 

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Coronavirus symptoms

The symptoms of coronavirus can be similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80 percent of the cases there were mild.

But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk.

The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.

Human coronaviruses are usually spread through...

  • The air by coughing or sneezing
  • Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
  • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.

Help stop the spread of coronavirus 

  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Eat and sleep separately from your family members
  • Use different utensils and dishes
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, hot your hand.
  • If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.

Lower your risk

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.

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