Luxury fashion group LVMH has announced it will now be manufacturing hand sanitizer in three of its perfume and cosmetics factories to combat shortages facing French health authorities.

As of Monday, all facilities at LVMH's make-up and fragrance factories (including brands such Dior and Givenchy) will cease regular production and instead develop and distribute hand sanitizer, with 12 tonnes expected to be made by the end of this week.

The hand sanitizer will then be delivered free of charge to French hospitals, with a priority given to hospitals in Paris.

“Given the risk of shortage of hydroalcoholic gel in France, Bernard Arnault has instructed the LVMH Perfumes and Cosmetics business to prepare its production sites to manufacture substantial quantities of hydroalcoholic gel to be provided to public authorities,” said the company in a statement on Sunday evening.

This news follows the announcement that LVMH (along with Kering) will be donating an estimated combined total of $2.8 billion dollars in financial aid towards battling Coronavirus.