Dr. Janjua said that like all healthcare workers and emergency responders who are battling the coronavirus crisis around the world, she'd been afraid of not having enough protective equipment to keep her from getting sick, writing that in her darkest moments, "worried about what would happen if I fell sick far from home."

"This complete stranger, who owed me nothing and is more on the front lines than I am, shared his precious masks with me, without my even asking," she wrote.

Dr. Janjua ended her tale with a message of hope, writing that "The veil of civilization may be thin, but not all that lies behind it is savage."

According to NBC News, the trooper was identified as Trooper Brian Schwartz, who noticed that she had two used N95 masks in her bag, leading him to believe that she was reusing them.

"Trooper Schwartz said he heard there was a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and thought Ashraf could use the extra masks," a statement from MSP said. "Troopers are working hard during the pandemic and are thinking about all the first responders who are caring for Minnesotans during this critical time."

"Thank you to Sarosh for her hard work and dedication," the Minnesota State Patrol said on Facebook. "Troopers are working hard during the pandemic and are thinking about all the first responders who are caring for Minnesotans during this critical time."

To keep up to date on the latest news about the coronavirus and to understand what you need to stay safe and healthy, check out the Coronavirus: Fact vs Fiction podcast from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

About Angie Ward

KMAG 99.1 · Fort Smith's New Country