BURBANK, Calif. — Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti recommended Wednesday evening that everyone wear masks while outside as a way to “flatten the curve.”

A few weeks ago, best friends Megan Berndt and Rori Flynn were two actors waiting tables and dreaming of fame and fortune in the movies. 

Then the coronavirus pandemic hit and suddenly they were out of work, their restaurants shuttered, and acting gigs dried up as Hollywood productions ground to a halt.

“We went from, 'OK, we’re going to try and do this for a week and limit our hours,’  to, ‘OK, we’re just going to do take out,’ to ‘OK, we’re going to be closed for two weeks,’ to, ‘We’re closed to a foreseeable future,’” Berndt told Spectrum News 1.

With little else to do, they began to pitch in, sewing masks for health care workers facing a critical shortage.

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“The idea of sitting in my apartment for three months just wasn’t feasible,” Flynn said.

As health care workers nationwide report dangerously low levels of masks and equipment, people like Berndt and Flynn are stepping up, forming sewing groups where they can share share their patterns and their skills.

Homemade masks are no substitute for the high-grade N95 masks, but the DIY pieces offer at least some protection.

Like the virus, this goodwill is also contagious. Fashion designer Christian Siriano, and mega brands Hanes and The Gap are all lending a hand.

“I’m fortunate to have this skill,” Berndt said. “I’ve been sewing my whole life. My mom taught me and my brother, and this is kind of least I’m able to offer. I’m not able to donate financially, but I can donate my time.”

They formed a production line complete with social distancing. Flynn preps the material and then leaves it on the table. Berndt then picks it up and sews it together.

“We have pleats and they’re double-sided. They have an option to put a filter inside for extra protection, and they also have a wire so they can mold it to their nose,” Berndt said as she held up one of her creations.

Six degrees of separation suddenly became one.