As native New Yorkers living in New York City, we found ourselves at the epicenter of America’s COVID-19 pandemic. The disproportionate impact of the coronavirus on the Latinx and Black communities where we grew up was especially difficult to witness. Watching the country come to a grinding halt, we endeavored to do whatever we could to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and help American businesses reopen safely. With nearly 30 years of experience in Japan and South Korea, it was clear that a big part of winning this battle was well within our control and involved the broad adoption of appropriate masks. In the face of a severe shortage of masks, we committed to finding a solution that would not only set the standard for protection and comfort, but also empower people to get back to work and resume living again, confidently and safely.
