Google on Friday pledged $800 million worth of support in response to the coronavirus pandemic for health organisations, researchers and businesses impacted by the crisis, AFP reports.

The aid will come in the form of cash, ad credits, and cloud services from the California-based internet colossus, according to chief executive Sundar Pichai.

Some $340 million worth of free advertising will be made available to small- or medium-sized businesses in Google's network that are taking financial hits as people stay home due to virus risk.

“We hope it will help to alleviate some of the cost of staying in touch with their customers,” Pichai said in a blog post.