Maine sail-maintenance shop turns to sewing medical masks

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In this Monday, March 23, 2020, photo, Karen Haley cuts cotton fabric for masks to be given to caregivers during the coronavirus outbreak, at the North Sails shop in Freeport, Maine. The sail-maintenance business has converted part of its operation towards stitching masks instead of sails. Owner Eric Baldwin stitches masks in background. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

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NEW YORK (AP) — A tiny sail-maintenance shop on the coast of Maine has started sewing medical masks for caregivers who need protection from the coronavirus. Eric Baldwin and his staff of two usually spend their days making tote bags and selling, repairing and washing sails for boats in the small village of South Freeport. But when the outbreak slowed business, they began spending a portion of each day making cotton masks using a pattern from a hospital. Baldwin says they wanted to do something to help. One of his workers, Karen Haley, came up with the idea, and they got to work Saturday.