Coronavirus response: additional Czech medical aid arrives in Italy
A truck from the Czech Republic carrying medical equipment to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic – including 10,000 pieces of protective suits and samples of newly developed hi-tech respirators printable on 3D printers - has arrived today (Monday 30 March 2020) to Milan, for further distribution of the supplies by the Italian authorities.
Yesterday (Sunday, 29 March 2020), the Czech Republic delivered medical supplies to Spain, through a C-130 cargo airplane of the Spanish Armed Forces.
Spain and Italy have requested assistance through NATO’s Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) with medical supplies such as personal protection equipment, respirators, masks and test kits. The NATO centre passed the requests on to NATO Allies and partners, who provide assistance on a bilateral basis. The EADRCC is NATO’s principal disaster response mechanism. It operates on a 24/7 basis, coordinating requests from NATO Allies and partners, as well as offers of assistance to cope with the consequences of major crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Today’s delivery of bilateral aid by the Czech Republic to Italy is another concrete demonstration of continued solidarity and mutual support amongst NATO Allies in the fight against the COVID-19 global pandemic,” said NATO Spokesperson Oana Lungescu.