Inmates in Tasmanian prisons have been using their manufacturing skills and training to produce facemasks to protect prison staff, inmates and the wider community against COVID-19.
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Corrections Minister Elise Archer said the Tasmanian Prison Service identified the global shortage of facemasks as an opportunity for inmates to learn new skills and meet Tasmania's needs.
Coronavirus: All the latest updates on COVID-19 for Tasmania
"The TPS's industries area sourced best-practice specifications and liaised with other prison directorates across Australia to produce a design that met Tasmanian Health Service approval," Ms Archer said.
"The facemasks are made from 100 per cent cotton, utilising material already available in the prison's textiles workshop.
"The TPS has responded quickly and creatively to the shortage and this special project aligns with the already established tailor shop offerings, designed to give prisoners new skills in sewing and manufacturing."
Ms Archer said about 1000 masks have already been produced for use within the prison and its associated health service areas.
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Emily Jarvie
Emily Jarvie is a political journalist at The Advocate and The Examiner newspapers based in Hobart, Tasmania. Contact: emily.jarvie@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Emily Jarvie is a political journalist at The Advocate and The Examiner newspapers based in Hobart, Tasmania. Contact: emily.jarvie@austcommunitymedia.com.au
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