Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores has purchased 100,000 personal protective equipment masks for deployment and use by the city of Detroit.
Gores and Mayor Mike Duggan announced the purchase Monday.
"First responders and city workers are on the front line of this crisis and they need our support now more than ever," Gores said in a statement. "I'm proud of the way people are coming together."
The surgical-grade masks will be provided to police officers, firefighters, bus drivers and other city workers to try to slow the spread of COVID-19. Gores is arranging to have the masks picked up as soon as Tuesday from a supplier in New Jersey.
"Once we get past the immediate threat from the virus, there will be so much more to do," Gores said. "We need plans to revitalize the economy, which will help struggling families and programs to make sure kids aren't set behind. Our work is just beginning and we are adapting and planning daily.
"We can't predict how long this crisis will last, but we are taking immediate action right now while also preparing for what comes next."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
