Updated 03/20/2020
On March 16, an internal memo at the Grenoble University Hospital was released in the press. The management offered its staff to make fabric protective masks, with precise instructions. Contacted by telephone, the CHU's communication department assures us that this is only an "additional option".
Following the publication of this internal note in the press, we asked a few questions to the Communication department of the Grenoble University Hospital.
Sciencepost:How come you offer this "option" to your staff, is there a shortage of masks?
“No there is no shortage of masks, neither of the treatment type nor of the FFP2 type, we are delivered regularly. Until today only health professionals in direct contact with patients had to wear them, but from tomorrow (Tuesday 17) we will distribute masks to all our staff, including administrative staff. Regarding admitted patients, they will be distributed on a case-by-case basis. »
“No instructions regarding the manufacture of cloth masks by themselves have been given to staff, this possibility having been shared with the hospital community as an option complementary for those who would like it and who are not in direct contact with patients. »
Sciencepost:So if there is no shortage why did you suggest that staff make their own masks?
"This is just a possibility, an additional option for staff who are not in direct contact with patients. But also to prepare as well as possible in the event of a shortage of masks. »
Sciencepost:About the washing temperature of the masks, you give 30°C in the internal note. However, other university hospitals have indicated the recommendation of 60°C for washing textiles. What is the right washing temperature?
“I can't answer you specifically on this question but I will try to find the time to find out and will answer you by email. »
On the Facebook page of Mon Petit Oko, a Grenoble zero waste shop, a call to make fabric masks for healthcare professionals at the CHU was launched and relayed.
In view of the sources we have found, it would seem that ironing or blow-drying for a few minutes at more than 90° is sufficient to disinfect a fabric mask.
A Facebook group has been created to centralize needs in Grenoble and several other cities.
Several hospitals have launched a call for the production of cloth masks on Facebook.
