As the epidemic ravages South Korea, large Korean companies have invested in fighting the epidemic

Samsung, Hyundai Motor, SK, LG and other companies are stepping up efforts to provide large donations, daily necessities and emergency medical supplies to help people fight the new coronavirus, according to the Korea Times.

Rescue efforts are focused on the southeastern city of Daegu and neighboring North Gyeongsang Province, the two regions hardest hit by the coronavirus. As of 9 a.m. Thursday, 1,338 people in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province had tested positive for the virus, while the total number of coronavirus cases nationwide stood at 1,595.

Samsung Group donated a total of 30 billion won to provide medical supplies and other services. The group's subsidiaries, including Samsung Electronics, Samsung C&T and Samsung Life Insurance, decided to donate the huge amount of money after a series of meetings on the subject between board members and the management committee.

Hyundai Motor Group has also donated 5 billion won to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association. The donation will be used to purchase anti-infection kits and support epidemic prevention activities for low-income families, medical staff and autistic people. Hyundai will also provide disinfection services and provide groceries, thermal detection equipment, hand sanitizer and masks to low-income families in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province. The company will also provide in-car disinfection services for customers.

SK Group also announced a donation of 5 billion won to the Community Chest of Korea to help victims in Daegu and its neighboring provinces hit by the coronavirus. SK Siltron, a silicon wafer manufacturing company under SK Group in North Gyeongsang Province, will spend 400 million won to provide masks and hand sanitizers to local residents.

Likewise, LG Group donated 5 billion won to the Community Chest of Korea, asking relief organizations to use the money to help people living in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province. In addition to this donation, LG Home Healthcare will contribute 1 billion won to provide hand sanitizers to people in the region.

South Korea's largest steelmaker POSCO announced a 5 billion won donation, while Lotte Group, GS Group, Doosan Group and CJ Group each gave 1 billion won.

South Korean conglomerates have also been working to provide emergency aid to subcontractors that are likely to be hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak.

Samsung Group has raised 1 trillion won in funds to provide emergency support to its subcontractors. The organization's affiliates will also make early payments of 1.6 trillion won this month for the purchase of supplies to help partners cope with any economic pressure caused by the epidemic. LG Group offers consulting projects and zero-interest loans to its subcontractors.