MUSKOGEE, Okla. — Students at Muskogee High School are putting a little technical training to the test in a bid to help local hospitals handle surges in novel coronavirus patients as the pandemic continues.

The students, in partnership with local companies, are making respirators using 3-D printers in the hopes the first batch can be distributed to health care providers by next week.

Most of the respirators are being made at the Muskogee High School Fabrication Lab, but other companies like Indian Capital Technology Center and Optronics are helping print.

County Commissioner Ken Doke said he found a 3D printable file online in Montana that could be used for respirators. He brought the concept to Colin McCawley at the high school, who tweaked it.

With the current operation, Doke said they can make 50 respirators a week. The masks can be sanitized and reused. He says they are not hospital certified, but they could serve as a good alternative.