Intel said Monday that it will send 1 million pieces of protective equipment to healthcare workers from the coronavirus.

Hospitals around the country have warned they are running low of masks, eyewear and gloves to protect nurses and doctors from infection when they care for patients.

Intel initially said the company would obtain the equipment from its factories, where workers wear head-to-toe “bunny suits” to protect against even microscopic particles that could wreck the tiny features on its computer chips. However, the company said Tuesday that such gear is not suitable for medical use.

Instead, the company said the donated equipment will come from “protective equipment required by local regulations and for on-site emergency response personnel.” The company said it is working with its suppliers to obtain additional items.

“We are immensely grateful to the healthcare workers who are at the front lines of slowing this pandemic,” said Todd Brady, Intel’s director of public affairs.

Intel is Oregon’s largest corporate employer, with 20,000 employees at its campuses in Washington County. The company has said its operations have been “relatively normal” throughout the outbreak, though its stock is down sharply in recent weeks – from a peak near $70 last month to $49.58 at Monday’s close.

Intel has continued operating factories all over the world and proceeded with construction on a multibillion-dollar factory expansion in Hillsboro.

Intel has allowed many employees to work from home in recent weeks but several employees and Intel contractors have expressed concern privately to The Oregonian/OregonLive that they are concerned they have been unable to maintain a safe distance from their colleagues.

Intel maintains that it is taking steps to ensure workers have a safe work environment.

When Oregon Gov. Kate Brown issued an order Monday requiring Oregonians to generally stay home, she specifically exempted manufacturing and construction. Brown said those industries can continue operating so long as they take steps to prevent the spread of the virus.

This article has been updated to indicate that Intel now says the protective equipment is not coming from its factories.

-- Mike Rogoway | mrogoway@oregonian.com | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699

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