Facebook donates 720,000 masks to health workers

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg delivers the keynote speech at the F8 conference in San Jose, California. Image: AP/Marcio Jose Sanchez

Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company has donated 720,000 masks to health workers combating the spread of COVID-19. Zuckerberg revealed the gesture on his Facebook page last Sunday, March 22.

“Health workers urgently need more protective gear,” he stated. “To help, Facebook donated our emergency reserve of 720,000 masks that we had bought in case the [California] wildfires continued.”

https://www.facebook.com/zuck/posts/10111697064311151

He added that the company is also “working on sourcing millions of more to donate.”

Zuckerberg previously announced that staff at Facebook will be getting a $1,000 (over P51,000) bonus amid the spread of the disease. He said that “the company wants to support employees working remotely because of the pandemic.”

The bonuses are expected to be distributed to staff in April. Along with the dividend, Facebook will also be giving its employees more time off so they can care for themselves and their families amid the ongoing pandemic.

As stories about the disease continue to circulate online, the social media giant released an advisory on how to verify COVID-19-related facts. The announcement reminds others to properly investigate posts and its sources, compare them to other credible articles and to seek information from trusted health groups such as the World Health Organization.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to escalate around the world, it’s more important than ever for people to be mindful of what they share online,” it said. “Unverified or false information creates confusion, and in the worst case can sow unnecessary fear and panic.” JB

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