April 2, 2020
This Clothing Boutique Is Selling African Print Face Masks Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
Amid the coronavirus, outbreak, also known as COVID-19, there has been a huge call for donations of medical supplies for healthcare professionals working on the front lines of the crisis. Due to the shortage in necessary materials such as N95 masks and gloves, many doctors, nurses, and other essential workers have been left vulnerable to contracting the virus themselves as they treat patients.
Mississippi-based entrepreneur Alexis Williams is the founder of a local African and Hawaiian inspired clothing boutique called Aloha Glamour. In response to the coronavirus outbreak, Williams started selling reusable face masks with Ankara prints for use as protective measures against the spread of COVID-19.
“My masks are 100% cotton, reversible, reusable and machine washable,” says Williams in a statement “My masks are not meant to replace surgical masks, but it is a contingency plan for those who don’t have the ability to get surgical masks because of the shortage. It is not medical-rated, but it is good enough to filter other hazardous particles and bad smells. The response to it has been overwhelming and we want to do anything we can to help out.”
While the masks are not N95 certified, they are big enough to wear on top of the mask, which helps with keeping your hands off your face. For every face mask sold, Williams will be donating a free one to local healthcare workers.
“I decided to encourage my other customers to help provide masks for those on the front line in this pandemic battle,” Williams said. “I asked them to make contributions so my business could provide face masks for someone in public service for free. Several of my customers have responded by donating to help in this important effort.”