By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Local scientist and philanthropist Gene Zaid, PhD is doing his part to help Hutchinson residents protect themselves from COVID-19 and he's starting with first responders. Hyatt Life Sciences donated 150 reusable masks to the Hutchinson Fire Department Wednesday.
"We looked at the masks, we got together with HUBCO, he made them for us at his cost," Zaid said. "We went to Cargill, they gave us the brine. As you breathe in, should you be in the company of someone who is infected, then those viruses will come in, you're going to breathe them and they'll stop right there and the salt will kill them."
The masks can be laundered and then brine needs to be reapplied.
"You get up in the morning, it's nice and dry and you spray the brine on it, give it a few minutes and then you put in on your face and leave the house," Zaid said. "This way, you're protecting yourself and protecting others."
It is Zaid's intent to provide some masks for the public, once the needs of medical personnel and first responders have been met.
"I believe the public should have them, as well to help mitigate the disease and prevent it from spreading," Zaid said. "Until we get a handle on it."
Staff with President Trump is now recommending that people consider wearing masks in public, as long as they leave medical grade masks for first responders. The fire department plans to use the donated masks to wear over their medical grade ones to increase those masks life.