26/10/2020 (Agence Europe) – The Czech Republic’s request made to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism last week for assistance with 150 respirators to combat Covid-19 has been met, announced the European Commission on Monday 26 October. The Netherlands donated 105 ventilators were donated and 15 were offered by Austria after the first batch of 30 devices was announced on Thursday 22 October from the strategic reserve of medical equipment RescEU (see EUROPE 12588/20). Austria also offered 30 nasal devices for oxygen therapy. In a statement, the Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said “I thank Austria and the Netherlands for their support”, further stating that “we are ready to channel more assistance to the Czech Republic”. The EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) has ensured that the requests made were matched with offers of assistance. (AN)