With the growing shortages in medical masks and gowns amid the coronavirus pandemic around the world, businesses have begun stepping in to help with the production of protective equipment used in the healthcare industry.

One high-end retail company, Ralph Lauren, has pledged 250,000 masks and 25,000 isolation gowns in the United States. Through its charity arm, the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation, the fashion design giant will be donating US$10 million towards the international response to the global pandemic.

“At the heart of our company, there has always been a spirit of togetherness that inspires our creativity, our confidence and most importantly our support for one another. In the past weeks and months, that spirit has never wavered,” said Ralph Lauren, executive chairman of the fashion brand.

Other luxury brands

Canadian luxury retailer Canada Goose will start making patient gowns and scrubs in two of its manufacturing facilities. “Across Canada, there are people risking their lives every day on the frontlines of COVID-19 in healthcare facilities, and they need help. Now is the time to put our manufacturing resources and capabilities to work for the greater good. Our employees are ready, willing and able to help, and that’s what we’re doing. It’s the Canadian thing to do,” said Dani Reiss, president and chief executive of the company.

Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH), headquartered in Paris, has begun manufacturing hand sanitizers in its perfume factories in France to be donated to hospitals. According to a statement released by the company’s chairman and chief executive, Bernard Arnault, LVMH will be producing “substantial” quantities of hydroalcoholic gel for as long as necessary.

“Through this initiative, LVMH intends to help address the risk of a lack of product in France and enable a greater number of people to continue to take the right action to protect themselves against the spread of the virus.”

US clothing giant Gap Inc. will also reportedly be using its global supply chain network to increase the production of protective masks and gowns.

Motor companies

Car manufacturers Ford, Tesla and General Motors will begin making ventilators, says US President Donald Trump.

“Ford, General Motors and Tesla are being given the go-ahead to make ventilators and other metal products, FAST! @fema Go for it auto execs, let’s see how good you are? @RepMarkMeadows @GOPLeader @senatemajldr,” Trump tweeted on March 22.

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