Tailor makes designer COVID-19 masks

Larry Maxwell, a tailor whose creations have been featured in local, regional and international beauty pageants, is on a mission to ensure essential workers have an adequate supply of masks by providing a ‘trendy’ reusable solution for the general public.

“I’m trying to reach out to people to [tell] them to stop wearing the [masks] that our frontline workers need,” said Maxwell.

Fearing that there could be a shortage of masks for Cayman’s essential workers, he set out to create his own.

“The ones that I make are reusable, so they can wear it for one day [or] a couple of hours, wash it, and reload it with the filters,” he said.

Each mask comes with three layers – a protective outer layer that is sown onto a thin inner layer, and then a third layer, a few inches in length, that is then attached to the second layer. Finally, two elastic straps are sewn to the ends of the mask. A filter paper can be placed between the first and second layers.

Maxwell said he is also targeting people who generally don’t feel inclined to wear the types of masks more usually seen on hospital or other frontline staff.

“I’m reaching out to those types of people, with a more trendy [mask], that will give them more coverage with more style,” he said.

The customisable masks, which come in different colours and patterns, are already in high demand. Just last week, Maxwell filled an order for the Department of Agriculture.

“They called me and told me they needed 100 for their staff, so I threw in an extra 50,” said Maxwell. “That’s just my little way of giving back.”

Taking to their Facebook page on Friday, the DoA wrote, “Today the Department of Agriculture received 150 masks to further enhance the safety of our employees and customers.”

Maxwell said he wants to reach out to other government departments that also need masks.

The masks take about 15 minutes to make and cost between $10 and $20, depending on their type and design. People wishing to place an order can contact Maxwell at 324-8811.