Egypt received on Saturday the third batch of medical supplies from China, which would enhance its capabilities and allow it to do more tests for suspected coronavirus cases.
The delivered cargo, which weighs over 35 tons, includes one million surgical face masks, 180,000 N95 masks, 90,000 sets of medical protective wear, 80,000 testing reagents, 70,000 pairs of disposable surgical gloves and 1,000 sets of thermometers, said the Health Ministry.
The Ministry noted that the new shipment, which was received at Cairo international airport, was immediately sterilized.
Egypt received the first shipment of medical aid from the Chinese government in mid-April. It included 20,000 N95 masks, 10,000 protective suits and 10,000 testing kits for COVID-19.
The second shipment, which was delivered on May 10, included 10,000 N95 masks, 10,000 protective suits and 70,000 nucleic acid detection reagents.
Egyptian medical authorities conducted 100,000 tests between mid-February and May 7, according to official statements.
A ceremony was held on Saturday at Cairo airport during which Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang said the shipment delivery coincided with the 64th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties between the two countries.
In early March, Egypt sent Health Minister Hala Zayed to China to convey a message of solidarity from President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and a shipment of preventive medical supplies.
In other news, Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly attended Saturday the launching of “Tahya Misr Fund” (Long Live Egypt Fund) as part of the third phase of an initiative to address the repercussions of the coronavirus outbreak.
The initiative targets the delivery of aid to 300 Egyptian towns.
