On 5 February 2020, Foxconn started producing medical masks and clothing at its Shenzhen factory in China, during the Chinese New Year and the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company initially said the masks it makes will be for internal employee use. The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 led to a worldwide spike in demand for masks, resulting in global shortages. In a letter to employees, Chairman Young Liu said, "I remember clearly how touching it was when Longhua Park produced our first mask at 4:41am on Feb. 5th. It was the simplest yet most important product Foxconn has ever made. It not only supplied the group's need for epidemic prevention, it also contributed to the general public and boosted the morale of the group. All that resulted from our colleagues' hard work."