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maskuppgh.bsky.social
Mask Up Pittsburgh
@maskuppgh.bsky.social
270 followers 190 following 40 posts
Disabled-led mask distro & info project around Pgh, PA.
instagram: maskuppgh

Request high quality masks or rapid COVID tests: https://shorturl.at/q29PD

More info at https://linktr.ee/maskuppittsburgh
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maskuppgh.bsky.social
BOO👻 Join us for our 2nd annual Halloween Maskquerade, on 10/31 6-9pm. It will be held at 6th Presbyterian Church, at 1688 Murray Avenue. $5-10 suggested donation, NOTAFLOF! Please rapid test & avoid superspreaders for a week prior to the event. Wheel/power chair accessible space. See you u there 👻
IMAGE ID: the image is a flyer with the header, "Mask Up Pittsburgh's 2nd Annual Halloween Mask-querade!" There are multicolored cartoon pumpkins, with text on them saying, "join us for a Covid-safer Halloween night! Costume contest, live sketches, movies, music & dancing! Handmade mask chains for sale! Pin-making and pumpkin painting! FREE food & drink provided by Food Not Bombs! High quality masks & testing beforehand required! October 31st, 6pm to 9pm, at the Sixth Presbyterian Church! Address: 1688 Murray Avenue, PGH, PA 15217." The flyer is decorated with bats, a spiderweb, candles, vines, leaves, sparkles, and a black cat laying on a pumpkin
October 19, 2025 at 6:23 AM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
Next week 👩‍🎨
Library Social #2! Arts & Crafts edition! Squirrel Hill Library; large meeting room. Join us on Saturday September 27th from 10am- 1 pm. We will have free-to-use art supplies, free tests, & masks! Feel free to bring your own crafts, projects, supplies, etc 🖍️🎨🧶5801 Forbes ave 15217
IMAGE DESCRIPTION: The background of this flyer is an illustration of a library shelf filled with books. The text on the flyer reads, "Hosted by Mask Up PGH, Library Social #2! Arts and Crafts edition! Squirrel Hill Library; large meeting room. SATURDAY, SEP 27TH from 10AM-1PM! We will have free-to-use art supplies, and free tests and masks! Feel free to bring your own crafts, projects, supplies, etc! Library address: 5801 Forbes ave, PGH pa 15217." In big letters near the bottom, it says "Masks required!" There are illustrations of scissors, scrap pieces of paper, glue, buttons, and pencils.
September 21, 2025 at 6:20 PM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
Join us at the CLP Lawrenceville Oct 16th from 5-8pm where we will be watching Practical Magic✨ The movie will be shown @ the lower level meeting room, accessible via elevator. Wear a high quality mask (KN95/N95/KF94) & make sure to rapid test negative same day. Masks & rapid tests will be available
IMAGE ID: the flyer has a promotional image featuring the protagonists from the 1998 film Practical Magic in the background, with masks drawn on their faces. Images of sparkles and candles decorate the flyer. On top of a cartoon image of a cauldron, it reads, "Mask Up Pittsburgh Movie Night! Join us at the Lawrenceville library for a showing of Practical Magic!" A small circle below the cauldron contains text saying, "library location: 279 Fisk St, PGH Pa 15201." Cartoon images of candles beneath the circle contain text saying, "Thursday, October 16th! 5pm - 8pm, (the movie starts at 5:30pm!)" below that, there's another circle containing text saying, "high quality respirators required! (KF94, KN95, N95, P100) Please test beforehand & do not attend if you're feeling symptomatic/have recently been exposed to Covid!"
September 21, 2025 at 6:03 PM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
Hey folks! Quick update, we are switching to some more secure communications options. Our new email is [email protected] and you can access our new test/mask request form here: shorturl.at/q29PD
Pink, yellow, green, and blue graphic puzzle pieces interlock int he background. Springtime items are across the page, including flowers, and ice cream. The MUP logo with the bridge is in the bottom left corner. The post reads: Quick Announcement. To increase security of our data and yours, we are making some changes to our email and mask/test request form. New contact info below! We will do our best to monitor both emails for a while, to ease the transition. Email: maskuppgh@protonmail.com , url: https://shorturl.at/q29PD
April 24, 2025 at 1:45 AM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
Come see us this Saturday! We will be sitting out with a variety of masks, rapid tests, zines, and flyers of our upcoming events. We want to thank RRFM for making this a Covid aware space and requiring masking ❤️ See y’all there.
We’re tabling at the really really free market April 26th * 11 A- 3P Liberty Green Park
April 22, 2025 at 2:09 AM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
We wanted to thank Kind for their awesome donation of red and yellow KN95 masks! These masks are a cute option for the Spring and we are excited to get them out to everyone.
An image of a cardboard box filled with red and yellow KN95s. Graphics overtop read "Thank you, Kind for your donation of 3000 KN95s." The Mask Up Pgh logo with a mask and bridge is in the corner. Stars and a heart are in the other corners.
March 11, 2025 at 9:52 PM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
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March 8, 2025 at 4:31 PM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
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March 8, 2025 at 4:30 PM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
We now have a Spanish translation of Bird Flu Made Simple/ Gripe Aviar Simplificada

Printable zine and image descriptions available on our itch.io translation work by @adsanitaria.bsky.social 1/3
March 8, 2025 at 4:29 PM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
February 16, 2025 at 2:49 AM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
February 16, 2025 at 2:47 AM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
Bird Flu Made Simple Zine by yours Truly
To download the zine or access the image description check us out on maskuppgh.itch.io
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February 16, 2025 at 2:45 AM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
Thank you BeHealthy. Your donation allows us to continue our vital work 💕
Light pink background with masks and stars and swirls with a light purple heart. Large dark purple text over heart: Thank you, BeHealthy. Small purple text: For your donation of 2300 masks. Mask Up Pitt logo in the bottom right hand corner.
February 15, 2025 at 4:54 PM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
Hello everyone! We, in collaboration with 30+ mask blocs, have purchased 93,000+ n95s to distribute across the US. We have a fundraiser to offset costs with a goal of $12,819.81. Please donate or share: tinyurl.com/bulkN95s

#MaskDistributionfundraising #COVIDIsntOver #mutualaid #covidisnotover
Dark blue background with white text that reads: “Mask Fundraiser! Over 93,000 N95s were purchased in a group effort with over 30+ mask blocs.” In the middle of the image is an Aura N95. Below it is white text that says “Every dollar helps! Donate at: https://tinyurl.com/bulkn95s “ To the right is a box with white text that says “Donation Goal: $12,819.81. Donations will go towards: covering necessary costs and reimbursing blocs and members who fronted personal funds.” Dark blue background with white text that reads: More Info: Where did the masks come from and where are they going? The masks and hand sanitizer were sources from government surplus locations in Virginia. They will be distributed to 33 mask blocs and mutual aid orgs in the Eastern US. How will they be distributed? All participating organizations have worked together to coordinate the amount of supplies needed and what would be feasible for each group to receive. Supplies will be distributed in our respective communities for free!” Dark blue background with white text that reads: “More Info. What are the “necessary costs”?” A bulleted list includes: Rental vehicles/equipment and necessary insurance, gas, tolls, food, and potential accommodations needed in the acquisition and transportation of supplies to participating organizers. Freight shipping to transport masks from Virginia to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and Georgia. Mailing masks and hand sanitizer to some blocs. Compensate wages lost for those who must take off work to acquire or distribute supplies and cannot fully volunteer their time. Reimburse CRANE organizers who fronted the funds to purchase the masks.” Dark blue background with white text that reads: “More Info, Cost Breakdown.” The goals are broken into two smaller goals: a primary goal and stretch goal. The primary goal is $1,255 which has bullet points underneath that say: Fronted $ in collected pool: $300 Current Costs Incurred by Blocs: $455 Agreed Upon Cushion for Transit Costs That Haven’t Occurred Yet: $500 The next bullet points include the STRETCH GOAL: $11,524.81 Fronted $ in the collected pool: $1,935 Mask Purchase: $8,520 Hand Sanitizer Purchase: $228.48 Fronted $ for Mask Transit: $778.38 Fronted $ for Hand Sanitizer Transit: $102.95”
January 11, 2025 at 6:21 PM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
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Orange heading: So you need multiple tests across days for an accurate result. Black text: Infections can start with a low viral load (amount of virus present in the swab sample), which means there’s less of a chance the tests will be able to identify the new nucleocapsid proteins. Studies recommend testing 2-3 times with 48 hours between tests. (bold) A positive test at any point in serial testing indicates a COVID infection. Orange heading: Example testing schedule. Cartoon image of a rapid antigen test in blue. Black text: Monday, symptoms start*-take a test *Many people never develop symptoms even if they’re infected with COVID-19. These folks should test after exposure because they can still spread it to others. Wednesday, test again. Friday, one more time Orange heading: References Links: https://asm.org/articles/2020/august/how-the-sars-cov-2-eua-antigen-tests-work https://doi.org/10.7326/M23-0385 https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/sars-cov-2-viral-mutations-impact-covid-19-tests Orange heading: Resources for free tests Links: covidtests.gov @covidactionmap
January 4, 2025 at 7:18 PM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
Importance of serial testing with rapid antigen tests 1/3
1. Image of a lightbulb. Orange heading: Did you know? Black text: You should take multiple rapid antigen tests across many days to get an accurate negative for COVID-19. One negative test doesn’t mean you don’t have COVID! Black box: Read on to find out why 2. Orange heading: Tests usually target the nucleocapsid protein. Cartoon image of a SARS-CoV-2 virus with arrows pointing to different proteins that make up the virus: spike protein, nucleocapsid protein (bold), membrane protein, and envelope protein. Image made with BioRender. Orange heading: Mutations make tests less reliable. Black text: Antibodies in the tests were designed to target the original nucleocapsid protein. As the virus has continued to mutate (Omicron strand and onwards), the nucleocapsid protein isn’t the same as it used to be, so the antibodies don’t recognize it as well. Cartoon image of many SARS-CoV-2 viruses changing (from blue to green) as time progresses (black arrow pointing right). Antibodies in pink bind well to the nucleocapsid protein on the "older," blue viruses, but do not recognize the "newer," green viruses. Image made with BioRender.
January 4, 2025 at 7:16 PM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
CO2 and You Proper ventilation is the only way to reduce levels of CO2 in an indoor space. Devices* that measure CO2 thus serve as a good proxy to measure the ventilation. CO2 levels also affect the way our brains work, so ventilation helps keep us sharp as well! Here’s a quick primer on that: CO2 (ppm) Notes 420 Outdoor Levels 420-700 Good ventilation 700-1000 Decent ventilation 1000-1500 Light Fatigue 1500+ Cognitive impairment * Available devices include the Aranet 4 which has an e-ink screen & thus a very long battery life, and the AirFanta G2 which also measures the PM2.5 & PM10 levels and thus offers a glimpse of the effectiveness of your filtration! Far UV Far UV exists* as a third way to clean the air, specifically meant to kill airborne pathogens. It uses the 222 nm wavelength of ultraviolet light which can destroy airborne viruses, fungi,and bacteria. This wavelength can’t penetrate skin, and is thus safer for human exposure than other forms of UV like sunlight & the kind hospitals and labs use to sterilize empty rooms. If Far UV was invested in and implemented on a societal scale, indoor spaces would get much safer for all. * Because it’s newer tech, most options are very expensive, especially for covering larger spaces. The Nukit Lantern is a recent release that is much more affordable than other devices, and the Nukit Torch set is worth looking at for short-term, mobile, air cleaning uses.
January 4, 2025 at 6:52 PM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
Clean the Air!
A Primer on Filtration + Ventilation
brought to you by Mask Up Pittsburgh
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Clean the Air! A Primer on Filtration + Ventilation brought to you by Mask Up Pittsburgh Filtration The goal of filtration is to clean the air by removing potentially harmful particles, such as: - Respiratory aerosols that may contain pathogens, such as the viruses that cause Covid, Flu, and other diseases - Pollutants from outside, e.g. from pollen, industrial emissions, or wildfires - Pollutants from inside, such as fumes from cooking, candles, or cleaning products - Other particles like dust and dander There are many ways to filter the air! These should be combined as much as possible: - Central HVAC systems fitted with appropriately MERV/HEPA rated filters* - Standalone air filters and CR boxes can directly filter the air in a room - Respirator masks (N95/KN95/KF94), which filter air directly on inhalation, and also filter the wearer’s exhalations** * Higher rated filters are not always better! If the HVAC unit isn’t rated for it, it will struggle to push air through a high rated filter, meaning less of the overall air will be filtered. **Respirators with a valve are the exception; the valve allows the wearer’s breath to pass unfiltered into the air. Ventilation The goal of ventilation is to replace indoor air with fresh outdoor air. This eases the load on air filters, as there’s much less dirty air to clean. Even when filtration is in place, indoor air is always going to be a mix of filtered and unfiltered air that contains the byproducts of respiration like CO2, aerosols, and droplets. The need for ventilation rises with the number of people sharing air in an indoor space. When hosting many people indoors, it’s important to adjust how the air is moving to account for all that respiration! There are a few methods to increase ventilation: - Running the fan on HVAC systems, even when the AC and heat aren’t running. This is especially useful if the HVAC system has a fresh air intake. - Opening windows & doors, ideally several and on either end of the space to create cross-breeze - Setting up fans throughout the space to avoid pockets of stagnant air & also help stimulate the cross-breeze
January 4, 2025 at 6:51 PM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
get new clothes not covid!

join us for a covid safer clothing swap on Dec 15th at the Frick Environmental Center (2008 Beechwood Blvd) from 4-6pm 😷💝

fall/winter clothes only + masks required!
image one: square graphic with white backgrounds there with red Rick rack trim across top and bottom. Across the center is black and white letter beads spelling out “Covid safer clothing swap” in the bottom right corner there is cursive handwriting reading “dec 15 4-6pm frick environmental center 2008 beechwood blvd building on your right when you enter the park”. There are two hand drawer gingerbread people wearing little colorful outfits and one is wearing a hat. image three: square graphic with white backgrounds with red Rick rack trim across top and bottom. Small black-and-white letter beads from first image are in the top left corner. There is a hand drawn gingerbread person in the top right corner. Black text reads “ accessibility info. Please do not attend if you have attended a super spreader within the last week, including concerts flying or eating in a restaurant. Event will have contact tracing so attendees must agree to provide their contact information. Take a rapid test the day of the event and a rapid test five days after and let us know if the second test is positive high-quality masks, or respirators will be required for the event and all gender accessible bathroom is available in the building. Building is wheelchair accessible with a slight grade to the ramp to get inside event Will be held in doors with air purifier running and co2 monitoring available. Please do not attend if you or someone in your household is sick or if you’re exposed to Covid or another viral illness.” in the bottom left corner text reads “ mask and test will be available on site” image two: square graphic with white backgrounds there with red Rick rack trim across top and bottom. Small black-and-white letter beads from first image are in the top left corner. Black text reads “swap info fall or winter clothes Only size inclusive event plus size clothes will be available gently used clothes only please no threadbare items or items with holes or stains any leftover clothes will be donated.” There are two hand drawn, gingerbread people on the bottom left and right corner.
November 30, 2024 at 9:52 PM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
If you want to require masks but don’t have the resources to provide them or are just running low on high quality respirators reach out to us! We are here to help individuals and groups around #Pittsburgh keep each other safe!
Slide six: in center is tan rectangle with text masks required inside. There are three arrow out of the rectangle to sentences. Text reads “The phrase ‘Masks Required’, establishes accessibility and safety expectations from the beginning. It is key information and a stance that makes your event safer to attend for everyone. It shows you care about the safety of those attending your event and those who come into contact with people who attended your event. “ in bottom right is a doodle of shapes at a dance party with a disco ball. All are wearing masks and one is in a wheelchair. Slide seven: text “People haven't stopped taking precautions, they've just disappeared from public spaces as mask mandates were lifted. Covid cautious, disabled, immunocompromised, and other high risk people want to attend dance parties, movies,art nights,cultural celebrations, and more! Requiring masks is one crucial way to ensure everyone can attend, enjoy, and stay safe at your events. “ in center is a tan star shape. In bottom right is a small doodle of shapes wearing masks. One is holding a sign that says “free Palestine” and the other has a can and is wearing a kuffiyeh.
November 18, 2024 at 10:43 PM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
We want to take a moment to highlight that some disabled folks may be unable to wear masks for a variety of reasons. We mask to protect them too. Our initial iteration of this post failed to include this, and we wanted to take a moment to mention this here. Read on!
Slide three: text “‘Masks encouraged’ is a common phrasing on events that are interested in reducing the spread of Covid-19. Let’s break down this phrase and why it doesn’t work. As event organizers, you set rules and expectations for your event. Event organizers are responsible for protecting those who attend. This is important when claiming to be a space that is welcoming to all. The phrase ‘masks encouraged’ hints that you, as an event organizer, hope people will mask. However, it is loose enough that folks who are uninterested in masking are welcome to attend. This may be yourself or other folks helping you run the event. It may be event goers. The phrase is noncommittal and implies masking is a personal decision. “ Slide four: text “What ‘masks encouraged’ says to disabled people/high risk people who want to attend your event: ‘This space is not safe for you. There WILL be unmasked people present.’ This renders the event inaccessible for those who cannot take that risk. It tells us that you, as an organizer, are not willing to have uncomfortable conversations, or do the extra work to ensure you have masks on hand in case someone forgets theirs. This wording also implies that covid is only a risk to disabled or immuno-compromised people and “healthy” people have nothing to worry about.” There is a tan speech bubble in the center Slide five: text “~60% of Covid transmission is from asymptomatic cases. It's likely an asymptomatic person, someone who isn't testing positive yet, or someone who knowingly is sick will choose to attend maskless. One way masking doesn’t work and leaving the decision up to the individual is not enough to prevent transmission and keep attendees safe. Enforcing a masking policy ensures that these people don’t spread any airborne disease, including Covid-19 at the event. If someone gets infected while at your event, they can infect every person they run into AFTER your event. Your event becomes the transmission point for a wave of sickness that could kill or disable people who didn’t even attend. “
November 18, 2024 at 10:43 PM
maskuppgh.bsky.social
THREAD (1/3)

The language you choose when creating an event matters, especially around covid-19. Find out why 'masks required' keeps more people safe and protects your community better than 'masks encouraged'. #covid19 #maskup
all slides are on a pink and yellow gradient background and full text is linked here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xinpv2aCc1b6c8vnLCpCeb1ug43fu-rVDyHWt2MU7Fo/edit#heading=h.ooiiy5hgtgmo Slide one: search bar reading “what’s the difference between masks encouraged and masks required”? Slide two: text “Holding events in the era of Covid-19 comes with the risk of spreading this airborne virus. One way to help reduce that risk is asking participants, staff, volunteers, etc to mask up. How you ask matters. As event organizers, you set rules and expectations for your event. Event organizers are responsible for protecting those who attend. This is important when claiming to be a space that is welcoming to all. “ There is a doodle of shapes all wearing masks in the bottom left corner under a banner that reads “happy lunar new year”
November 18, 2024 at 10:43 PM