Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation has donated USD5million (£4.2m) to aid the coronavirus response.

The pandemic has affected thousands around the world, with the cases in the UK rising to 4,000 and the  singer has now given millions of dollars in a bid to help those on the ‘frontlines of the disaster’.

A statement given to People magazine read: “CLF is supporting on-the-ground partners working on the frontlines of disaster response especially those focused on protecting and serving marginalised communities – helping the most vulnerable in the United States, the Caribbean and in Africa prepare for what is to come.”

While Executive Director Justine Lucas added: ’Never has it been more important or urgent to protect and prepare marginalised and underserved communities–those who will be hit hardest by this pandemic.’ The funds will be distributed between the World Health Organisation’s Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund, Direct Relief, the International Rescue Committee, Partners in Health and Feeding America, among others.

Rihanna will also help local foodbanks in the US, speed up testing efforts and provide protective equipment for those on the frontline.

 The Clara Lionel Foundation confirmed the news on Instagram, sharing a snap of nurses in their scrubs.

 Alongside the upload, they wrote: ‘We’ve responded to COVID-19 by distributing $5 million in grants to @PartnersInHealth @DirectRelief @FeedingAmerica @RescueOrg @WHO and #Barbados to prepare communities w/ critical protective gear, medical supplies, equipment and access to food across multiple countries and regions.’