VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) — Some churches and nonprofits in Virginia are donating their supplies to hospitals and emergency medical services to help battle the coronavirus.
The Virginian-Pilot reported Wednesday that the supplies had been intended to provide relief in other countries but are now being donated locally.
For instance, Rock Church in Virginia Beach dipped into its reserve for mission trips and gave 1,000 masks to four Sentara hospitals.
Operation Smile, which focuses on cleft lip and palate surgeries across the globe, gave 1,800 masks and 4,500 gloves to Sentara Princess Anne Hospital.
Meanwhile, Gov. Ralph Northam has made a plea for businesses to step up and help out as well.
He said the Virginia Department of Emergency Management shipped a major supply of protective equipment to local health departments and hospitals over the weekend. But much more is needed.
The state is expected to get a second shipment from the national stockpile next week.