Coronavirus: Regina woman making headbands for health-care workers

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many in the community are looking for ways to help — including one Regina mom who is putting her sewing skills to work, hoping to provide relief to front line workers.

It all started after Erin Michell was contacted by Round of Apaws, a local dog grooming salon, to make special headbands with buttons for health-care workers.

“Some were even having trouble sleeping — being unable to lay on either side of their head, because of the pain.”

Michell, who typically makes other items for the salon including puppy shower caps and aprons, says she’s just glad to give back.

“I’m a stay-at-home mom right now so having the time to be able to help… it feels really good to help my community and people in need,” Michell said.

The headbands allow for the masks to hook on to buttons, rather than the ears — a design Dumont said she found after searching the internet.

“I found a picture and sent it to Erin and within days Erin had whipped up enough headbands for one team,” Dumont said.

“When the nurse or doctor puts on the mask they can hook the elastic to the buttons rather than over the ears, allowing those ears to have a break.”

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Dumont said the first batch of headbands have already been sent to nurses in Moose Jaw, who should receive them Tuesday.

“The team we sent them to were over the moon,” Dumont said. “These little comforts can make such an enormous differences to the lives around us.”

Dumont and Michell plan to continue their efforts and hope others are inspired to do the same.

It’s an initiative that has recently been popping across North America.

Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.

For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.