In recent weeks, as the coronavirus pandemic shrinks medical supplies worldwide, a number of well-known brands have begun to manufacture protective equipment and clothing for professionals at the forefront of the fight against the virus. The latest company to make its contribution is Chanel, which announced on Sunday that employees will produce protective masks and suits as soon as French authorities approve their prototypes.
"Today we are mobilizing our workforce and our partners to produce suits and masks," Chanel's press release reads, according to Reuters.
As of March 30, France has 40147 confirmed cases and 2606 dead. Health Minister Olivier Veran said France uses 40 million masks a week. The state has commissioned a billion masks and the luxury conglomerate LVMH - which produces antibacterial gels at three of its factories in France - bought about 40 million masks to donate to hospitals. On Sunday, however, Veran said France has protective equipment for another three weeks.
Also, Chanel has donated 1.2m euros to an emergency fund that will go to the hospital system and has promised salaries for eight weeks.
