European solidarity with China to help the country fight the spread of the new coronavirus intensified last weekend with the dispatch of personal protective equipment through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. At the same time, the EU has financially supported the repatriation from China of 447 voluntary EU citizens in planes chartered by France and Germany.
“This is a humanitarian operation open to all citizens in the world”, whatever their nationality, a Commission spokesman told the press on Monday.
“As a first immediate response, Member States have so far mobilised a total of 12 tonnes of protective equipment, already in route to China. The Commission will continue its support to China”, EU Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarčič announced on Saturday.
The EU stands ready to provide all the necessary assistance to China and all the necessary support to the Member States, Ursula von der Leyen had already assured (see EUROPE 12414/8).
Since the outbreak spread as of 3 February, the virus has killed 361 people in China and one outside the country. The Chinese authorities have indicated the need for protective masks, glasses and suits.
The Commission's Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating offers of equipment. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)