Sew relevant: Florida seamstress creates face coverings to help beat coronavirus

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A Florida seamstress, who normally creates costumes, is now sewing face coverings and giving them to residents who are looking for protection during the coronavirus pandemic.

Lynne Peterson, of St. Petersburg, said she temporarily closed her business, Costumes by Lynne, WFTS reported. Instead of making costumes, she is handing out face coverings for free.

>> Coronavirus: Tennessee mom, son make free disposable masks for grocery shoppers

“Over and over, I kept seeing people who were looking for masks and couldn’t find them and when they could find them a lot of the prices were just not possible because people are out of work and it’s hard times for everyone,” Peterson told the television station.

Peterson said people who need masks can reach out to her through her Facebook page. She said most of the requests have been coming from the elderly population and people with compromised immune systems.

>> Coronavirus checklist: 100-plus disinfectants that may kill coronavirus on surfaces

“We’re not making a profit. We’re not selling,” Peterson told WFTS. “We’re not doing any of that ... It’s completely free to the community and people who need them.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people wear face coverings when going out in public.

>> Coronavirus symptoms: What you need to know

“I have been (sewing) professionally for about 10 years, but my mother was a seamstress. My grandmother was a seamstress so I grew up doing this,” Peterson told WFTS.

>> Coronavirus: Know the facts directly from the CDC

Meanwhile, Peterson said she has been receiving help from community members.

“I’ve had multiple people helping me cut fabric. It’s been overwhelming," Peterson told WFTS. “It has been amazing. The community really stepped up. They’ve donated time. They’ve donated materials.”

>> Coronavirus: Can the government make you stay home if you are sick?