Rihanna Steps in and Donates $5 Million in the Wake of Ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic

The Barbadian singer has also donated personal protective gear to New York.

Rihanna has stepped in and filled a necessary void amid the worldwide spread of coronavirus. The singer recently donated personal protective equipment supplies to New York, the state reportedly has the highest number of cases in the U.S.

Governor Andrew Cuomo who was grateful for her donation tweeted: “I want to thank @rihanna and the Rihanna Foundation for donating Personal Protective Equipment to New York State. We’re so appreciative of your help and that of so many others who have stepped up.”

Alongside the news of the supplies from the Roc Nation artist, Rihanna previously donated $5 million through her Clara Lionel Foundation. The funds will go directly to nonprofit organizations in the U.S., the Caribbean and Africa to aid frontline workers and marginalized communities, according to the Billboard. 

Over on Cuomo’s official website, he thanked Rihanna and additional celebrities including Kelly Ripa and her husband Mark Consuelos for donating $1 million.

“New York is fighting a war against this virus and we need all the help we can get. The generosity of these companies, organizations and individuals — and many others coming forward every day to offer support — will play a critical role in our mission to bolster our hospital surge capacity, support frontline workers and get people the help they need.”

He also added, “On behalf of the family of New York, I am deeply grateful for their generosity. We will get through this difficult time together, with the kindness, strength and tenacity that New York is known for.”

The New York Times has confirmed that New York has identified 38, 987 cases with 382 deaths.