Coronavirus: Lowe’s donates $10M in essential protective products to hospitals

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — As hospitals face shortages of essential medical items because of the coronavirus outbreak, businesses nationwide are stepping up to help.

Lowe's is the latest company to lend assistance. The North Carolina-based home improvement retailer said in a statement Friday it would be donating $10 million to fund protective gear for hospitals nationwide. The donation is part of $25 million committed by the company to support the needs of Lowe's associates, customers and the community it serves.

The donation, Lowe’s President and CEO Marvin Ellison said, is a way for the company to "do our part in helping to keep medical professionals on the frontlines of this crisis healthy and safe."

"We deeply appreciate their actions and commitment," Ellison said in the statement.

Ellison also said Lowe's began curtailing its hours of operations Monday. Stores are now closing at 8;30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and at 7 p.m. on Sundays, the statement said.