MACHULISHCHI, 29 January (BelTA) – Belarus has sent humanitarian aid to China to help it fight the coronavirus outbreak. An Ilyushin Il-76MD airlifter with the humanitarian cargo on board took off from the Machulishchi airfield, BelTA has learned.
The decision to send humanitarian aid was made by Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko on 28 January. According to Aleksandr Karev, Deputy Chief of the Air Force and Air Defense, six pilots grouped into two crews are en route to Beijing now. “They will be airborne for 20 hours and will have to stop in Novosibirsk and Vladivostok to refuel the aircraft. They will be back in Belarus on 2 February,” he said.
Humanitarian cargo
All in all, Belarus shipped 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid to China. The cargo was put together based on China's requests, Healthcare Minister Vladimir Karanik said. “The cargo includes 4.5 tonnes of antibiotics that are most commonly used to treat complications of a viral infection, over 10 tonnes of disinfecting agents for various uses, personal protective equipment for medical staff (gloves, surgical masks, disposable clothing), air decontamination materials. I think this is not the last cargo,” he said.
The minister emphasized that no one questions China's ability to keep the situation under control, however all the resources are concentrated in the most affected areas right now. Other regions of the country are gripped with panic, which is one of the reasons for panic buying of some medicines and medical products. “Thus, any help and reserves available at the Chinese Ministry of Health will come in handy,” Vladimir Karanik believes.
All the medical products sent to China were made in Belarus. They were loaded into the aircraft ex works. “Some people lacking forethought say that we are re-exporting Chinese goods. This is not true,” the minister said.
At present the Belarusian side is exploring a number of possibilities to provide the further support to China.
Coronavirus updates
China has a total of about 6,000 confirmed cases of the Wuhan coronavirus as of Wednesday. The number of cases increased by 1,459 and the deathtall rose from 106 to 132 from Tuesday. At the same time the number of recoveries also rose from 68 to 116.
All the deaths were reported in China, however the number of countries were the virus was confirmed has risen to 15. Individual cases were reported in Thailand, Germany, Vietnam, Japan and the USA.
Belarus' response to epidemic
The Sports and Tourism Ministry advised Belarusians against visiting China. The ministry noted that tourists who have already purchased tours can cancel or reschedule the trip or to relocate it to other countries.
Minsk National Airport has decided to take additional preventive measures against the spread of the new coronavirus. Medical workers will go aboard the plane to detect passengers with symptoms of a viral infection. Such passengers will then be examined by the medical service of the civil aviation. They will go through passport control and customs procedures separately.
Belarus has set up a team of healthcare professionals who will go to China to study coronavirus. Belarusian specialists have a wealth of experience in combating communicable diseases and they would like to share their expertise and knowledge in order to determine the most efficient preventive measures and protocols to treat complications.
Belarusians in China
According to recent information, nine Belarusian nationals are in Hubei Province now; several of them have been reached out by phone. Two people said they want to leave this province.
It is impossible to determine the exact number of Belarusian nationals who are in China now. Belarusians go to China for various purposes; this can be group tours and individual travel. Each Belarusian national who will want to leave China will be provided with the necessary assistance by the Belarusian embassy.
Belarus is not considering suspension of the visa-free travel with China. There is no talking of the temporary shutdown of the border because of the coronavirus, either.
Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko sent a message of support to China's President Xi Jinping. The Belarusian leader expressed condolences to the families of the virus victims and wished speedy recovery to all the sick. “We admire the courage of the Chinese people and the great efficiency of the action taken by China's senior officials to combat this new and dangerous disease,” the message reads.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that Belarus wants to show solidarity and support to China. With this in mind, Belarus decided to send a humanitarian cargo with personal protective gear and much-needed medicines to China. “Let this aid, a sincere and heartfelt gesture of all Belarusians, help the allied Chinese nation handle these ordeals. We are ready to provide further support in overcoming these temporary difficulties. Just tell us what else we could do for you. Belarus will always be a reliable and devoted friend of the Great China,” the Belarusian leader emphasized.
