Teen uses technology to protect healthcare workers on the frontline of COVID-19
TAMPA, Fla. - Jake Judson, 13, has been using his time away from school wisely. He's using his 3-D printer to create face masks for healthcare professionals to protect them from COVID-19.
"I've made about 200,” Judson said. “I've gone through two packs of 100 plastics film. I just thought I wanted to do a good thing. I wanted to be a part of that. So, why not help the ones who help me or help other people in the hospital."
![](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox13news.com/www.fox13news.com/content/uploads/2020/04/932/524/WTVT-Still-2020-04-16-12h33m56s454.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
He got the idea from social media.
"I thought hey this is a good idea,” explained Judson. “I have a 3-D printer, so I started making them."
His goal is to make 400 masks for medical workers.
He said, "I started my first one on Saturday. Oh, look this turned out great. I started making more from there."
![](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox13news.com/www.fox13news.com/content/uploads/2020/04/932/524/WTVT-Still-2020-04-16-12h33m42s738.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
His 11-year-old sister Avery has also pitched in to help.
"It makes me feel happy,” she said. “It makes me feel good to know like we are helping. Just make a difference."
Nurse practitioner Joel Johnson is impressed by the children's effort to help first responders.
"I think that they are incredible,” he said. “I think it takes a bad situation and turning into something very positive as certainly productive."
![](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox13news.com/www.fox13news.com/content/uploads/2020/04/932/524/WTVT-Still-2020-04-16-12h34m14s838.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Judson has a message for all his peers.
"It doesn't matter what age you are as long as you help you're doing a good thing."
Judson and his sister both attend Academy of the Holy Names in Tampa.
![](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox13news.com/www.fox13news.com/content/uploads/2020/04/932/524/WTVT-Still-2020-04-16-12h34m34s423.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
If you feel sick:
The Florida Department of Health has opened a COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. Agents will answer questions around the clock. Questions may also be emailed to covid-19@flhealth.gov. Email responses will be sent during call center hours.
LINK: Florida's COVID-19 website
CORONAVIRUS IN FLORIDA: What you need to know
AROUND THE WORLD: CoronavirusNOW.com
Map of known COVID-19 cases:
MOBILE APP USERS: Click here for map