As I see it
By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor
This week, the McKenzie County Farmer would like to give a big “thumbs up” to the dozens of area women who have taken it upon themselves to make hundreds of masks that they have been donating to the McKenzie County COVID-19 task force, the McKenzie County Healthcare Systems, Inc., area law enforcement, as well as to many local businesses to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
One shouldn’t be surprised to see these women step up and do what they can to help our community in this time of uncertainty. After all, it is the way that the good people of Watford City and McKenzie County respond to any emergency situation. We have always seen a huge outpouring of support by local businesses and individuals following any tragedy be it a fire that destroys a home or business or helping families recover after a tornado.
The people of this county simply don’t wait for someone else or for the government to come along to help them solve a problem. When they see a need, they take immediate action.
And that is exactly what this group of volunteer seamstresses have undertaken, which is why they deserve a big thank you from everyone.
The wearing of face masks, according to the Centers for Disease Control, is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of the virus. And while these homemade masks are not as efficient as the N95 masks or other medical-grade masks, they do work, especially in light of increasing evidence that the virus can be spread by presymptomatic and asymptomatic carriers.
And by choosing to use a homemade face mask, it keeps the supply of medical-grade masks, which are in short supply, available to our medical workers who are on the frontlines of treating patients with COVID-19.
And if people do choose to wear a homemade mask that covers your nose and mouth it not only helps them, but also other people that they may come in contact with.