Inmates in South Placer Jail sewing and laundry program create face masks for public

Face masks made by the inmates at South Placer Jail were distributed Sunday, with plans for additional giveaways to be announced, according to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.

Inmates in the jail’s sewing and laundry programs have made more than 1,200 face masks, with 400 being distributed in 40 minutes on Sunday, the Sheriff’s Office said. The handout began at 9 a.m., outside of the jail in Roseville, where community members were asked to remain in their vehicles as face coverings were distributed.

Inmate Megan Brown walked viewers through the process in a video posted on the Placer County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. According to Brown, once masks are completed, they are placed in a washing machine with hypoallergenic soap before being packaged and shipped.

The Sheriff’s Office noted that the face coverings are not N95 masks, but still in accordance with the most recent recommendations from county health officials.

On April 2, Placer County Public Health Officer Dr. Aimee Sission advised residents leaving their houses to wear cloth face coverings, “such as a bandana, scarf or homemade cloth cover,” when having to make essential trips.

“We do not want people to get a false sense of security from wearing a face covering and gather in close proximity, which is not allowed,” Sisson said. “Physical distancing remains our primary tool in battling this pandemic.