In early February 2020, while in India, Rubina and I heard about panic over the scarce supply of face masks in Hong Kong as the novel coronavirus outbreak spread. She insisted that we should directly bring the face masks to Hong Kong from Punjab.
We contacted dozens of suppliers and struggled to find masks as they became scarce. We managed to secure thousands of N95 and surgical masks that we could fit inside the luggage we bought. Shortly afterward, we learned that India had restricted mask exports. We decided to continue the trip. The deed was more important than the risk.
We left India on Sunday, February 9, 2020, and faced no hurdles bringing the masks to Hong Kong. With the help of the amazing team at RedLotus, we found three charities that focus on helping handicapped, low-income families and the blind to help distribute the masks.
I was also shocked by the xenophobia targeting the Chinese diaspora. At a time when uncertainty brought out the worst in people, we had to believe that good would prevail. Without love, there is no hope.
At the time, I encouraged others to find a responsible way to help.
Update from February 10, 2020: India had eased part of its temporary export restriction, creating another opportunity for people to send eligible supplies to Hong Kong.
