Leo’s Rabbit’s Lockdown Mask ‘Factory’

As the Covid-19 struck the world and many countries went into lockdown, Rabbit’s travels plans have been cut short with two major trips cancelled. He was disappointed, but as an old wise Rabbit once said ‘It’s better to be disappointed and safe than sorry’, so he didn’t dwell on that for long.

As the global pandemic unfolded Rabbit followed all the developments on the News from the safety of his home. He was/is in awe of the heroic work of doctors, nurses, health care professionals and other key workers who put their own safety at risk for the good of the rest of us. He had also heard of numerous acts of kindness, support and goodwill in many local communities. An immense gratitude and admiration filled up Rabbit’s heart for those on the front line. He, himself, however felt even smaller (he is a very small rabbit indeed) and helpless as he stayed locked in the house doing very little. He also wanted to contribute, even in the tiniest possible way, and finally he came up with an idea of opening his very own mask ‘factory’ :-)

Rabbit dusted off his old sewing machine, purchased all the necessary materials and started making protective face masks. Over the period of the last four months he made and dispatched nearly 600 face masks. He donated them to his local healthcare workers, as well as sent them to his family and friends all over the world. Most of the masks were gratefully received, brought up joy and kindness in many people and gave a sense of purpose for our little Rabbit.

Leo’s Rabbit was happy to see photographs of his friends wearing the masks he made (thank you everyone who sent them and we hope you don't mind that small versions of your pictures are published here - you all rock these masks with style! :-) ). The little Rabbit is a big supporter of wearing the masks, if not for his own protection, then to protect those most vulnerable around him. His biggest fear is that he may contract the virus and pass it on to someone who may not be able to fight it off. He is not prepared to lose a loved one, a family member, a friend or an elderly neighbour because of his negligence. He wears his mask with pride.

Rabbit’s masks are not professional anti-viral masks, but they do form a barrier against the droplets. As we all know by now, the transmission of Covid-19 occurs mainly through respiratory droplets generated by coughing, sneezing or even shouting or vigorous speach. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Wearing a mask protects us from being ‘sneezed on’ and most importantly, by wearing a mask we protect others from our own droplets that may be contaminated with the virus, even if we don’t experience any symptoms ourselves. Below, in the simplest possible way Leo's Rabbit explains the principle for all the other rabbits (and humans) :-)