With shortages of personal protective equipment across the nation due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Lehigh Valley Health Network is doing its part by taking an innovative approach to extend the use of N-95 respirator masks used by caregivers as protection against the virus.

LVHN colleagues are recycling surgical wrap, common blue sanitary sheets that protect operating room instruments before they are used, and making coverings for N-95 masks.

“There’s a sense of urgency as it’s been well-documented that health care providers everywhere are running low on N-95 respirator masks,” said Donald Hougendobler, LVHN’s Director of Environment and Sustainability Friday.

“In the last 24 hours, our team has created a prototype, received approvals from Infection Control and Prevention and Public Safety and Emergency Management and gathered supplies to construct mask covers.”

Colleagues joined together at the School of Nursing building at Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street to construct blue wrap mask coverings. They practiced social distancing to keep each other safe by setting up small working stations throughout the room.

One mask can be made every 2 minutes with a few supplies including blue sterile wrap, a hole-punch and twine. These blue wrap mask coverings greatly increase the life span of N-95 respirator masks.

“Using blue sterile wrap adds an extra barrier if put over the N-95 mask and it will make them last a lot longer,” Hougendobler said. “This little solution (mask coverings) will give us peace of mind and allow us to protect our patients and colleagues.”