China on Sunday donated additional medical supplies to help the Philippines fight the coronavirus outbreak as the number of infections in the country continue to rise.
Chinese envoy to Manila Huang Xilian made the announcement during the welcome ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for the 12-man Chinese medical experts who arrived in Manila to provide advice and assistance to the government’s efforts to contain the deadly respiratory virus.
Huang has turned over to Philippine officials additional 300,000 surgical masks, 30,000 medical N95 masks, 5,000 medical protective suits, 5,000 medical face shields, and 30 non-invasive ventilators.
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“Virus respects no borders. We always say that a friend in need is a friend indeed. During the time of crisis, the Chinese government and people feel keenly for the health and safety of the Filipino people,” Huang said.
“We will always stand together with the Philippine government and people to cope with the challenges and overcome the epidemic.”
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the Philippines in early March, Huang said China has been providing support and assistance to the Philippines “to the best of its ability.”
China initially provided the Philippines with a batch of emergency medical supplies such as testing kits, surgical masks, medical N95 masks, and medical protective suits.
Chinese local governments, organizations, companies and individuals have also provided assistance, he said.
The Chinese Medical Expert Team, said Huang, is among the first three teams sent by the Chinese government to Southeast Asian countries.
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“Most of team members have had front line experience in Hubei province to fight against the epidemic. I hope the arrival of this team will help the Philippines to improve its ability of epidemic prevention and control as well as diagnosis and treatment, so as to boost the confidence of the public in overcoming the COVID-19,” he said.
As of Saturday, the Health Department recorded 3,094 cases, 144 deaths and 57 recoveries from the new coronavirus disease or COVID-19, which was first detected in China in December last year and has swept into at least 114 countries.
