SMYRNA, Del.- As part of an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, three dozen inmates employed at the James. T. Vaughn Correctional Center garment shop began this week crafting cotton face masks for the state correctional system and first responders.
State officials said production began Monday with two sewing machines and the volume of masks being produced increased to nearly 100 face masks by midweek. Up to a dozen inmates will support the operation by cutting patterns and sorting and packing masks, while up to two dozen inmates will operate sewing machines to stitch the materials and add elastic ear loops.
"So far---they have been very well received. We're able to produce at least 200 masks a day and so far it's going pretty good," said Dion Hawkins, a trade instructor with the Delaware Department of Correction.
State correction officials estimate up to 500 face masks could be produced each week.
Delaware correctional commissioner Claire DeMatties said face masks produced at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center will be used, as necessary, in DOC facilities to protect staff, inmates and contractors.
"It's not a medical mask that somebody in a hospital would wear when there's a lot more contaminants but for that casual contact this mask will definitely help," she said.
Once inventory increases, the face masks will be offered to other first responders. Prison infirmaries and isolation units will continue to use medical grade FDA-certified face masks and other Personal Protective Equipment produced by national manufacturers.
Hourly wages for inmate workers are set by state statute and hourly pay rates for inmates employed in the garment shop at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center range between .25 and $2.00 per hour depending on skill level and length of service.
