The Chinese Red Cross arranged a coronavirus support shipment of 30 tons of medical supplies, such as masks and respirators, to be flown to Italy and Spain. The much-needed equipment was delivered along with a team of nine medical personnel experienced with battling the disease. The group includes two respiratory disease specialists from Sichuan University’s West China Hospital and an expert who works for the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
That plane arrived in Italy first, as it is currently the worst-affected nation after China with 2,978 dead and 35,713 confirmed cases as of March, 19th 2020. In efforts to halt the spread of the virus, shops and restaurants across the country have been closed. Nobody is to leave their homes without the required permission, or they will be fined between €60 and €80 (around $70 to $90) by government rule.
The outbreak has overwhelmed the healthcare system, especially in northern Italy, and hospitals are running low on some vital supplies.
Francesco Rocca, head of the Italian Red Cross, said:
In this moment of great stress, of great difficulty, we are relieved to have this arrival of supplies. It is true that it will help only temporarily, but it is still important. We have a desperate need for these masks right now. We need respirators that the Red Cross will donate to the government. This is for sure a really important donation for our country.
The Chinese have made significant progress in stopping the progression of the virus throughout the country. The President, Xi Jinping, announced that victory was in sight. With the outlook positive, the country has been reaching out to other troubled nations around the world to send aid.
Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister, said during a phone call with the Italian foreign minister:
Although currently China itself still has a great demand for medical materials, we will overcome the difficulties and offer material aid, including face masks, to Italy, and increase exports of materials and equipment to meet Italy’s urgent need. If the Italian side requires it, China would also like to send medical teams to assist in combating the virus.
Spain, which has had over 15,000 cases of the virus, is also receiving support from China. Madrid has been hit hardest, seeing half of the entire country’s cases. The nation is implementing a similar lockdown to Italy, requiring all unessential businesses to be shut down until further notice. All schools are closed, and the parliament as well since the prime minister’s wife tested positive.
