Inmates make masks inside Texas jail

The Fort Bend County jail in Texas has zero COVID-19 cases so far and jail inmates are working to keep it that way.

As of this week, inmates already assigned to sewing duties are now making face masks.

They've been producing about 100 per day, said Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls.

"We're doing everything we can, because it's contained, it's a closed facility," Nehls said.  "So if you were to have an outbreak in this jail, you're gonna have to act obviously very quickly."

Deputies came up with the idea after observing the impact that the sheriff office's free disinfectant distribution program had on the community.

The masks are made of cotton with a flannel lining.

The sheriff said they're compliant with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards for the general public.

The jail is purchasing materials from local fabric stores.

The sheriff's office said the jail's commissary budget is paying for the supplies.

As of Thursday, there are approximately 700 inmates currently behind bars in the Fort Bend County Jail, near Houston.

Anywhere from six-to-twelve inmates will work on making masks at any given time.

The male inmates from the county's military veteran offenders program produced new masks in assembly line fashion-- measuring, cutting and sewing.

Andrea Pesce, an inmate upstairs in the women's section, said she wanted to put the sewing skills her grandmother taught her to use.

"She showed me a Singer, way back in the 1980s," Pesce said.

"Obviously I'm not in the best position and I'm a mother, so whatever I can do to show my kids that I'm trying to make a difference at this point, you know," added Pesce.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.