Making PPE was a new initiative started during lockdown, when like everyone else we were listening to the media tell us of the desperate need for PPE. The Ballina Costume decided to start making masks, aprons, and scrubs for our front-line workers as we are all qualified machinists who normally make and design costumes for plays, musicals, festivals, schools, and fancy-dress parties. We spent twelve weeks suppling PPE to front line workers with the help and support of fantastic volunteer sewers. We made over 300 sets of scrubs 200 aprons and 1000s of masks for our front line workers all of which was funded through a GoFundMe Page set up to purchase the material, this enabled us to be in a position to donate all the PPE to our hospitals, nursing homes and Meals on Wheels groups. We re-opened our doors on the 8th of June and unfortunately like a lot of people involved in the Arts Covid-19 has affected this industry, to continue trading we have had to diversify and continue making PPE.

To supply high quality reusable masks at an affordable price, using only the highest quality cotton, all of which are purchased in Ireland.

Please understand that our face masks are not a replacement for medical-grade Personal Protective Equipment, and in circumstances where medical grade Personal Protection Equipment is recommended, you should consult your health care professional.

Clean your hands properly before you put it on.

A cloth face covering should cover the nose and go under the chin and:

• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• be secured with ties or ear loops
• include at least 2 layers of fabric
• allow for breathing without restriction

Do not:

• Do not touch a face covering while wearing it – if you do, clean your hands properly.
• Do not use a wet or soiled face covering.
• Do not share face coverings.
• Do not lower your face coverings to speak, eat and smoke or vape – if you need to uncover your nose or mouth take the face covering off and put it in a bag.

Taking a cloth face covering off
To take a face covering off properly:

• remove it from behind – do not touch the front of the mask
• put in a sealable clean waterproof bag or wash immediately – put disposable masks in a bin straight away
• clean your hands properly

How to wash one
Hand or machine using hot water with detergent, do not wash over 60 degrees.
If using a washing machine, you should be able to wash and machine dry it without damage or change to shape.

You do not need to sterilise cloth face coverings. Wash it in a washing machine or by hand as you would any other item of clothing.

Wash hands before and after use.

Due to the nature of the product we are unable to accept returns or exchanges, however in the unlikely event the mask is faulty when you receive it, we ask you to return it in a sealed plastic bag. We will replace it immediately or refund your money, if you have any concerns please contact us at ballinacostumeshop@gmail.com

The Irish Government Encourages Mask Use in Public Where Social Distancing is not Possible.

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/aac74c-guidance-on-sale-use-of-face-coverings/?referrer=/facecoverind/

Thank you for purchasing our reusable facemasks