Coronavirus: India Says Will Do Everything To Help China, To Send Medical Supplies Soon

As coronavirus takes over China, India on Sunday said will do everything to help its neighbour in combatting the deadly disease and would soon be sending a consignment of medical supplies. Indian Ambassador Vikram Misri also expressed solidarity with the Chinese people in their fight against the epidemic. The death count in China’s novel coronavirus outbreak touched 1,765 mark on Monday. There are now nearly 70,400 confirmed cases across China, based on previously released figures from the government.

"As a concrete step to tackle the outbreak, India will soon send a consignment of medical supplies to China," Misri said, adding that this is a concrete measure which will fully demonstrate the goodwill, solidarity and friendship of the people and Government of India with the Chinese people.

China has said that it needed medical masks, gloves and suits especially for the medical staff attending the virus affected patients. Masks also have become scarce in China in view of the nationwide demand in the last three weeks.

“During the past few weeks, the entire world has borne witness to the severity of the novel coronavirus outbreak and the tremendous challenges posed by it,” Misri said in a video message released to Chinese media outlets on Sunday.

“I wish to convey my solidarity and support to the Chinese people and Government in tackling this epidemic,” he said.

“We feel deeply for the people and the families that are affected by this epidemic. I would particularly wish to express support for the people of Wuhan City and Hubei province who have been most affected by this epidemic, and who hold a very special place in the hearts of the people of India,” he said.

The death count due to the novel coronavirus outbreak in China has surpassed the toll from the SARS outbreak on the mainland and Hong Kong almost two decades ago. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), a disease in the same family as the new coronavirus, left nearly 774 people dead in mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003. More than 120 others died around the world.