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Add to Preferred SourcesThe European Commission is working around the clock to support EU Member States and strengthen international efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.
To boost global preparedness, prevention and containment of the virus the Commission announced a new aid package worth €232 million. Part of these funds will be allocated immediately to different sectors, while the rest will be released in the coming months.
“As cases continue to rise, public health is the number one priority. Whether it be boosting preparedness in Europe, in China or elsewhere, the international community must work together. Europe is here to play a leading role,” said Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission.
Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management, and European Emergency Response Coordinator said: “With more than 2,600 lives lost already, there is no option but to prepare at all levels. Our new aid package will support the World Health Organization and target funding to ensure countries with weaker health systems are not left behind. Our goal is to contain the outbreak at a global level.”
Following the developments in Italy, the Commission is stepping up its support to Member States in the context of the on-going work on preparedness, contingency and response planning.
In view of the rapidly evolving situation, a joint expert mission of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organization will depart to Italy this week to support the Italian authorities.
The new announcement comes after the news that the Commission is co-financing the delivery of more than 25 tonnes of personal protective equipment to China after the EU Civil Protection Mechanism was activated.
An Austrian aircraft departed early 23 February morning from Vienna with protective equipment such as masks, gloves, protective clothing, and disinfectant. This comes in addition to over 30 tonnes of protective equipment mobilised by EU Member States and already delivered to China earlier this month via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
Original source: European Commission
Published on 24 February 2020