(CNN) As medical supplies dwindle during the coronavirus pandemic, health care workers are getting a helping hand from an unlikely source -- tattoo artists. Largely unable to work and forced to close shop, tattooists around the country are passing their gloves and other protective gear to hospitals.

"Tattooers really understand the need for protective equipment," said Michelle Myles, co-owner of Daredevil Tattoo in New York City, who donated her stock of gloves and masks.

"We already operate with an awareness of bloodborne pathogens and cross-contamination, and so we take a lot of precautions anyway in our day-to-day operations."

Myles closed up her shop on March 13 to protect both her customers and the artists working with her. That's the case for most shops and studios across the country because of the close contact tattooing requires, which makes social distancing difficult.

"All the tattooers I know are super bummed to be home and not doing their jobs."

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