THE WHAT? LVMH has announced it is to start production of hand disinfectant gel in a bid to help alleviate nationwide shortages in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in France.

THE DETAILS The beauty giant will use the production capabilities of its perfume and cosmetics brands to develop the hand sanitizer, which it will provide to French health authorities free of charge. 

As well as the French health authorities, the hand sanitizer will be delivered to the Assistance Publique-Hospitaux de Paris, a network of 39 teaching hospitals that treats around 8 million patients annually. 

THE WHY? The decision follows a global shortage of hand sanitzer worldwide, as consumers rush to protect themselves agsinst the spread of coronavirus. 

Taking to a statement the company said, “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 from the spread of the virus.”