LVMH, the luxury conglomerate that owns brands such as Louis Vuitton, Guerlain, Dior, and Givenchy, is doing its part to combat the new coronavirus epidemic. Today, the company announced that it will use its perfume factory to produce hand sanitizers.

"LVMH will use the production lines of its perfume and cosmetics brands to produce large quantities of hydroalcoholic gels starting Monday. These gels will be provided free of charge to health authorities."

According to CNN (open in new tab), the company will provide this hand sanitizer specifically to French health authorities and the Assistance Publique-Hospitaux de Paris (open in new tab).

"Through this initiative, LVMH intends to address the risk of product shortages in France and to ensure that more people can continue to take appropriate action to protect themselves against the spread of the virus," the company's press release states.

The CDC recommends hand washing to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but if soap and water are not available, hand sanitizers containing at least 60 percent alcohol can also be effective (opens in new tab).

At this time, it is unclear if the company's beauty line will be affected by the production shift.

LVMH's announcement comes in the wake of closure orders issued to restaurants, cinemas, nightclubs, and stores in France following a sharp increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases.

"We have decided to close all non-essential places, including cafes, restaurants, cinemas, nightclubs, and stores," said Prime Minister Edouard Philippe. 'We absolutely have to limit our actions.'

As of Sunday, the number of confirmed cases in France exceeded 5,420, with 127 deaths.