EMERYVILLE, Calif.—NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NYSE American: NBY), a pharmaceutical company developing and commercializing products for the eyecare and skin care markets, said it has made a commitment to donate 2.5 million KN95 protective masks to schools, youth groups and other charitable organizations. “We have been selling masks throughout the pandemic, yet during this critical time with the highly contagious Omicron variant spreading so rapidly, we have decided to donate masks as well,” Justin Hall, chief executive officer, said in the NovaBay announcement.

“These protective masks are high quality, having particulate filtration efficiency of 95 percent or above, and offer better protection than just a cloth mask. Several organizations have already been identified for donations, however, we are still welcoming new requests.”
 
For qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organizations interested in receiving a donation of KN95 protective masks,  contact Bree Harrison at bharrison@novabay.com. Donations will only be made to charitable organizations and schools. The KN95 protective masks are offered to non-charitable customers in a box of 10 for $9.99, and can be ordered here.
 
Recently updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines state that masking is a critical public health tool for preventing the spread of COVID-19. While reminding the public that any mask is better than no mask, the CDC provided guidance that well-fitting N95 or KN95 protective masks offer more protection against COVID-19 spread than loosely woven cloth products.
 
NovaBay Pharmaceuticals develops and sells scientifically created and clinically proven consumer products for the eyecare and skin care markets, including Avenova, the nation’s most-prescribed antimicrobial lid and lash spray for blepharitis and dry eye.