U.S. hospitals are already experiencing shortages of N95 masks, gloves, and all protective gear that keeps them safe while caring for COVID-19 patients.

Our medical professionals need us to stay home for them to flatten the curve, and prevent the spread of this virus. They also really need these masks to keep themselves safe while they try to save lives.

Dr. Peter Slavin, the President of Mass General in Boston, has issued a call for anyone with a 3D printer to start printing masks for the hospital there. New York City hospitals are also out of masks. Healthcare workers are reportedly tying bandannas around their faces to try to protect themselves while they treat infected patients. 3D masks could save their lives, and ours too, by enabling our doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel to stay healthy and on the front lines where we need them.

The formula for a N95 mask designed by folks at the University of Leiscester and made available by Copper3D is available for free online: get it here. If you have a 3D printer and can help, please do so immediately. Share this information far and wide. Help us continue to flatten the curve, save our healthcare professionals, and get these masks out there. Follow #hackthevirus and #hackthepandemic for more ways technologically savvy folks can help.

European hospitals are in similar straits and would likely also welcome 3D printed masks.