The CDC advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of COVID-19 and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.
The COVID-19 pandemic has ignited the selflessness of local residents, who have taken the initiative as a call to action to help our community manage the crisis. One important need to be addressed is the shortage of cloth masks, which help protect those on the front lines of the pandemic. Central Florida local Asian non-profit associations, faith-based organizations, residents and business owners donated what they have such as cloth masks, disposable masks, hand sanitizers, and gloves to local hospitals, first responders, Orange County Government and other critical service providers.
Joseph Truong, a Vietnamese-American who lives in Orlando, has donated more than 1,000 cloth masks across the County. Truong, who is disabled and works part-time as a realtor, is determined to give back to the doctors and nurses who helped him when he was sick, as well as to the country that has given him so much. Another 1,000 cloth masks were made by long-time resident Jenny Lau and her daughter Lisa who make a perfect recuse team. Mrs. Lau said it give her a chance to give back to the city she loves. Father Chau from St Philipphê Phan Văn Minh Catholic Church is pleased to donate many cases of gloves which were all given by his church members who own a nail shop, to the City of Orlando, Orange County, and the Sheriff Department.
According to the Orange County’s newsroom, Orange County has received more than 6,400 home-made cloth donations from individuals, local businesses and organizations including Don Julio’s Mexican Restaurant, Orlando Chinese Professionals Association, Guang Ming Temple and the Vietnamese Community of Central Florida; as well as online groups Orlando Face Mask Strong and One Million Mask Challenge.
“Throughout this crisis and others, our community has proven we’re at our best when we work together,” said Chief Lauraleigh Avery, Orange County’s Acting Emergency Manager. “We’re overwhelmed with gratitude for the residents and organizations making these masks. As we continue with our emergency operations response efforts, they’re helping protect our employees.”
If you have any donations you would like routed, please email [email protected].
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