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Tailors & seamstresses respond creatively to demand for face masks

- as the VI adapts to the 'new regular'
Tailors and seamstresses have been responding to the public demand for face masks in a creative way. Photo: Team of Reporters
Face masks by Uniform and Things. Photo: VINO
Face masks by Uniform and Things. Photo: VINO
Clover's is currently only accepting orders for face masks from businesses. Photo: Provided
Clover's is currently only accepting orders for face masks from businesses. Photo: Provided
Clover's said businesses can place an order for adults and children's face masks made with 100% Kona Cotton and additional inner lining. Photo: Provided
Clover's said businesses can place an order for adults and children's face masks made with 100% Kona Cotton and additional inner lining. Photo: Provided
Clover's said businesses can place an order for adults and children's face masks made with 100% Kona Cotton and additional inner lining. Photo: Provided
Clover's said businesses can place an order for adults and children's face masks made with 100% Kona Cotton and additional inner lining. Photo: Provided
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- A number of persons and businesses across the Territory are said to be taking the initiative of producing face masks, which are now in high demand as Government has insisted that persons wear masks when conducting business in the public or are in the company of others while travelling.

One of the first persons to respond to the demand for masks is Mr Patrick Nicholas of Uniforms and Things.

Ahead of the game!

Mr Nicholas told our newsroom he has always been ahead of the game.

“I was looking at the pattern of things around the world and I knew that there was going to come a time when we would have to resort to producing our own masks here,” Mr Nicholas said.

Ahead of the Territory recording its first case of COVID-19, Mr Nicholas said he equipped himself with filters and appropriate materials to respond to what he anticipated was going to be a demand for face masks.

“I had to get filters, otherwise it would have been defeating the purpose. It is very important to get filters.”

Fashion

The other thing Mr Nicholas took note of is the need to make the masks fashionable.

“Masks are now part of our dress code, so I am making them fashionable in a variety of ways. Persons can even come in to see what materials I have and they can get special ones made.

“I am doing what makes sense. It is about filter, fashion and affordability.”

Uniforms and Things is located in Scatliffe Alley and can be reached via walk-ins or via WhatsApp on 544-8267 or 441-9228.

Clover's

Clover's, located on Waterfront Drive in Road Town, has also been making cloth masks for the public.

The orders for masks seem to have been at such a number that the establishment announced on social media that it was unable to take more individual orders at this time.

According to their social media posting, “PLEASE NOTE that if you PRE-ORDERED a mask(s) from us, we will be getting these masks out to you this week and will contact you directly for pick-up. Locally made hand-sanitisers can also be purchased within the social distancing guidelines on the outside of the building from Sageroots at our store between the hours of 8:30am - 11:30am.”

Clover's also said businesses can place an order for adults and children's face masks made with 100% Kona Cotton and additional inner lining.

“We encourage everyone to share information, support one another and know that there are other businesses, tailors, seamstresses, family and friends also making masks to assist with this new normal as we start to open back the community for business.”

Both Uniforms and Things and Clover's stressed the importance of properly sanitising the reusable masks and storing same safely after every use.

13 Responses to “Tailors & seamstresses respond creatively to demand for face masks”

  • EVERYONE (27/04/2020, 10:34) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Like Irma everyone trying to get that coin. 70% of the face mask in the islands are more focus on style vs safety…
    • To EVERYONE (27/04/2020, 12:24) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      I was saying the same thing....they're just trying to make money and they are more focused on style than safety. It's best people just wear a bandana or make their own mask at home and save the few dollars
  • The Reaper (27/04/2020, 10:58) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    No Thank you..Am fine,I trying toI get money to pay billssssss....
  • Excellent (27/04/2020, 11:27) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    We'll be using these for months and months --- make here, buy here, use here.... keep those dollars in circulation, HERE.

    We need masks anyway. Better keep some of the profits in the BVI economy. Just please make sure they are built fromt he right material please (tightly woven) -- not just fashionable, but also safe.

  • agreed (27/04/2020, 13:14) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    I agree with those who have asserted that we will be using these for months to come so might as well you buy something fashionable. What you need to look for is the slot to stick in the filters from the back. That way you can wash your mask and reuse it over and over.

    You can make your own filters by purchasing coffee filters or paper towel or toilet paper and soaking them in salt water and let it dry overnight. When ready to leave your house the next day take your salted, dried filter and stick in the slot of your mask and boom you are ready to go.Hope that helps. (sourced from Dr. Alfred Dawes- Jamaica Gleaner.com)
  • OK Then (27/04/2020, 14:38) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Them cant protect you from anything. Need the medical one
  • east end (27/04/2020, 14:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What is your price? I need 2 please.
  • smfh (27/04/2020, 15:45) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    The only thing these cloth fashion masks can save you form is mosquito going in your mouth. Get serious! If the reason for wearing the mask is safety from a so called dangerous virus then wear the proper spec item and stop playing around.
  • Standards (27/04/2020, 16:30) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    what input did our health department had in the production of these mask: are you mandated to wear a mask for fashion or are you required to wear mask to assist with the further spread of germs: The World Health Organisation sets certain medical standards so will theses mask meet international medical standards....after all COVID 19 is serious sh!t/: Just concerned and have no issues with who make or do not make mask
    • not just fashion (28/04/2020, 12:27) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      These are NON-MEDICAL masks and once they meet the standards set out by the World Health Organisation they will help to slow the spread provided people also observe all the other protocols like social distancing and hand washing. Non-medical masks are for use by healthy people going about their community errands and are not intended to serve as medical mask for anyone that's sick or working in health care or for care givers. It has its purpose but clearly it's not a fail-safe measure as you won't know if you've got the virus if you're asymptomatic ...
  • two weeks and done (27/04/2020, 17:54) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    In two weeks we will all be tired of these darn masks.

    Let's get back to normal life people. The cost of protecting us from this nonsense is too high.

    Much more people die each day from other things.
  • concern (28/04/2020, 08:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I strongly believe that something like a mask which become a regular the price of mask is too expensive and some people are using that as. A money making idea
  • Nice (28/04/2020, 10:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It’s okay right but what’s going to be the price material ain’t cheap like back in the days


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