SAN DIEGO (BRAIN) — De Soto Sport — makers of multisport clothing, wetsuits and accessories for triathletes — began manufacturing personal protective equipment this week, joining many other cycling and cycling clothing suppliers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With non-essential businesses told to close in California on Friday, De Soto shut down unsure about the future. That's when De Soto founder Emilio De Soto decided to have his company back to work Monday making face masks and headwear to be donated to doctors and nurses in San Diego.
"The fabrics we are using are designed to keep athletes cool in the heat of triathlons and other endurance races," De Soto said. "Our Skin Cooler fabric is non-absorbent, and with COVID-19 being a droplet-spread virus, it is very effective protection. The CDC's recent recommendation for the medical industry as a last resort to use bandanas is concerning to me because cotton is the most absorbent fiber and should be avoided at all costs."
The first production was to be completed Tuesday. The masks and headwear are also available for pre-order on the De Soto website and shipping will begin this week.
