With the state of Ohio looking to start opening back up May 1, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther stated in an April 20, 2020 address to council that one of the requirements he would like to see is “the state to require community members to wear masks outside of their home for the forseeable future.”
“The masks really are two part,” said Ginther in a seperate informational video. “To protect ourselves and our loved ones and even more important to protect those that are on the front lines.”
A requirement is a stronger step than the recommendation from the CDC in early April. That recommendation was for people to wear cloth masks when they go out in public, especially when going to places like grocery stores where social distancing is difficult to maintain. COTA put a face mask requirement in place on April 15, 2020.
It is not recommended to wear surgical masks or N-95 respirators, as those are still in demand for healthcare workers.
Local small businesses have shifted to making cloth face masks. Some have donation programs in place where your purchase will have an even larger impact on our community, but any purchase you make in our small business community is one you can feel good about.
Here are ten small businesses you can support while you are staying safe.
Where to buy cloth face masks in Columbus
Glean, $12 each, online.
For every mask sold Glean is donating one to Southeast Healthcare. Purchase for $12. Masks are being made by local artisan Janice Schmader. Curbside pick-up is also available, note that in the shipping options when you purchase.
State & Third, $10-$15 each, online.
“If you have to wear a mask, make it an inspirational one!” says owner Becky Brisker. Brisker has created masks in gorgeous Liberty of London prints (two prints in stock, the rest are pre-orders for May 15). Ohio themed and blue shirting themed fabric masks are also available.
The Smithery, $15 each, online.
Anne Holman and Jen Townsend of The Smithery have been making fabric masks to donate to essential workers and those on the front lines. They are also offering some for sale for $15 each, pattern is random. Your purchase allows them to continue to make masks to donate, and a portion of proceeds will also support Ohio Saves A Hero, a fundraiser working to buy supplies to create PPE for healthcare workers. Store pickup is available.
The Sewing Hive, $10 each, online.
Makers of The Sewing Hive are making masks to help offset their income lost from sewing classes. Adult and child sizes available. Email [email protected] to order and pickup.
Igloo Letterpress, $15 each, online.
Allison Chapman, owner of Igloo Letterpress has reached into her personal fabric stash to create cloth face masks – you might even get some fabric designed by Suzy Ultman! Two fabrics are being used so you can remember which side was used against your face. Masks are also made with a pocket to insert your own filter. (Filter is not included).
State of Devotion, $11 each, online.
Choose from a variety of patterns for face masks handmade by local sewers for State of Devotion. These use jersey cotton for the strings, making them soft and comfortable. Note on delivery: If you reside in the 43212 area code and did not meet the minimum for free shipping, enter code LOCAL at checkout and we will drop it off to you for free.
Pure Roots, $10 each, Send a message on Facebook.
Pure Roots has cloth face masks available. They are unable to guarantee a particular color. Masks made by All My Lovin’ Designs. Pure Roots is offering local delivery or curbside pickup.
Where I’m From, $7.95 each, online.
Where I’m From is creating masks out of their super soft tri-blend material, making a mask which is breathable, reusable and machine washable. Available in two sizes. And you can rep some of your favorite team colors.
Thread, $12 each, made to order, online.
Thread is offering made to order face masks in camo and snakeskin patterns, as well as solid black. Made in LA and available from Thread.
Celebrate Local: Masks for $8-$10.99 and Ear Savers for $1.75, online.
Celebrate Local has a few varieties of face masks available in a range of patterns and fabrics. They also have three designs of ear savers that will lift the ear loops off of your ears, making the masks more comfortable for longer wear time. For every ear saver sold, Celebrate Local will donate one to Hillcrest Hospital in Cleveland.
You can also pick up masks from One80Out Supply, for $7 each. Sold in two sizes.
If you are low on resources and need a face mask, the CDC shows you how you can easily make a cloth face covering out of a tshirt and rubberbands:
If you are handy and are making masks, Wild Cat’s Clubhouse is serving as a donation drop off site and has also shared tutorials on how to make masks.
Keep up with regular news updates regarding Columbus and Ohio’s response to COVID-19 here.