People from York and beyond have made hundreds of uniform wash bags for frontline workers.
The bags are being made from anything from pillowcases to old duvet covers.
The idea is that after a shift, frontline workers can remove their uniform at work, put it straight into the bag then close it tight and pop it into their washing machine when they get home to prevent cross contamination.
The Facebook group Bag The Bug – Covid 19 – York, Harrogate & Knaresborough was set up a couple of week’s ago by Joanne Halliwell and her daughter Abbey.
They were wanting something to do during lockdown and found a group called Bag the Bug based on the North West who were making the bags for NHS staff in Bolton.
They decided to set up a local group, which got an immediate response from people asking for the bags to offering to donate material, sew, help coordinate and to drive for them.
Community spirit
The North Yorkshire group now has over 300 members and have sent over 1,850 bags to care homes, NHS staff, GP surgeries, ambulance stations and local hospitals.
Joanne said: “I think it just shows how in times of need everyone can pull together and do their bit – the community spirit has most certainly come out which is wonderful.
“Whether people have sewn 10 pillowcases or 100, or have donated one duvet cover or 10, every little helps.”
The demand for the bags is still growing, Adrian Deligny, a care worker who received one of the bags, said: “The uniform bag is an excellent idea in order to help stop the spread of the virus at home. Before this I was putting everything in a bin bag which wasn’t the best.
“It is important that during these difficult times everybody is united. This project has shown a unparalleled demonstration of solidarity and generosity. My wife and I are extremely grateful.”