Louis Vuitton owner LVMH said on Sunday that its cosmetics unit would make large quantities of hand disinfectant gel to help battle a shortage in France as the Covid-19 virus spreads. Twelve tonnes will be produced as soon as this week, instead of the usual Christian Dior, Guerlain and Givenchy scents and make-up usually made at the three factories. “LVMH will use the production lines of its perfume and cosmetic brands to produce large quantities of hydro-alcoholic gels from Monday,” the luxury company said. “These gels will be delivered free of charge to the health authorities.” Paris hospitals chief Martine Hirsch thanked the company for acting so quickly. The capital’s hospitals have not yet run out of gel but supplies are “strained”, a representative for its health system said. Fears of catching the new coronavirus have put hand gel in high demand across France, with many pharmacies restricting clients to one small bottle each.
