UnitedHealth Group has pledged an initial investment of $50m to fight the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic which continues to spread across the world.

The investment will support health care workers, seniors, states and the homeless hit by the pandemic.

While $30m is meant to protect and support health care workers, $10m has been allocated to support states impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak.

The US states severely affected by the pandemic include New York, New Jersey, Washington, California, and Florida.

UnitedHealth Group has also set aside $5m to address social isolation among seniors.

The remaining $5m will be used to provide care and support for people experiencing food insecurity or homelessness.

UnitedHealth Group CEO Dave Wichmannsaid: “As this unprecedented public health emergency rapidly evolves, we must take bold actions to support those in need and combat the COVID-19 virus.”

“This initial investment of $50m will support that effort, as we continue to mobilize the full strength of our resources, deep clinical expertise, and compassionate team to deliver the best care for patients, support our members and care providers, and deliver innovative solutions that will benefit the entire health care system.”

To support the cause, the company is also organising and matching employee donations dollar for dollar.

It also expects to raise the fund through several national and local partnerships in the coming months.

Wichmann said: “We are partnering with leading industry and non-profit organizations to ensure resources are deployed quickly and effectively to accelerate the efforts to fight Covid-19 and provide support for those most impacted by this global health crisis.”

Meanwhile, coronavirus cases have touched 85,996 in the US, with a death toll rising to 1,300.

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