Krispy Kreme has announced it will be offering free doughnuts to all US healthcare workers battling the ongoing coronavirus outbreak until May.

From 30 March, the American company has said that any healthcare worker using one of its drive-thru services will be entitled to a free box containing a dozen of its original glazed doughnuts.

“Just go to a Krispy Kreme drive-thru, tell us what you need and show us your employer badge. That’s it,” the company said in a statement.

“Pick up some free dozens on the way to work for you and your colleagues, or maybe a free dozen on your way home to family after a long shift.”

In addition to providing healthcare workers with free sweet treats, Krispy Kreme has also vowed to give its regular customers a free dozen original glazed doughnuts every Saturday if they have already purchased an order of a dozen doughnuts.

“We’re going to help our customers share joy with their neighbours, because being separated doesn’t mean we can’t be sweet,” the company added.

The company clarified that all of its doughnuts would be securely packaged to ensure they were safe to consume.

“The thousands of free dozens on Saturdays will be securely sealed and bagged individually, along with instructions for contactless drop-off, including social distancing and safety guidelines.​

The news comes after Starbucks announced it would also be giving free coffees to healthcare workers in addition to others working on the frontline of the coronavirus outbreak.

Up until 3 May, the coffee company is offering a free tall brewed to police officers, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff.

However, with the majority of Starbucks shops in the US having been forced to close due to lockdown regulations, there are a limited number of ways for people to access their free coffees.