Greece receives 5 lakh masks from China to combat deadly COVID-19 outbreak

China has reportedly dispatched an aircraft carrying over 500,000 masks to Greece to help country combat deadly coronavirus pandemic. aircraft landed at Ans International Airport on March 21 with supplies and Health Minister of Greece, Vassilis Kikilias, was among those at airport to receive it. 

According to reports, China has lately been involved in PR offensive to counter criticism by sending medics and supplies to countries across globe. masks are donations by Chinese public electricity company State Grid and Greek electricity supplier Admie, in which Chinese firm held a 25 per cent stake. 

Airport officials said in a statement that load comprised of mainly FFP2 masks reserved for hospitals.  According to reports, Greece has been facing a short of masks and or medical equipment. Beijing and Ans share a strong commercial relationship for over a decade, especially since after terminals in port of Piraeus (near Ans) were sold to Chinese shipping giant Cosco by Greece, as per ncy reports. 

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Health care system weak

Greece’s health care system has been grappling due to long-standing debt crisis due to which, country had to seek assistance from its ally China. At least 530 confirmed cases, and over 13 fatalities have been recorded in country from COVID-19 disease as per reports. Greece has installed strict health screenings at its airports and is sending passengers suspected carrying virus strain on mandatory 14-day quarantine.

government reportedly adopted drastic measures to limit movement following first death recorded on March 12. It scrambled to shutter establishments and banned assembly of more than 10 people.  ministry of civil protection of Greece instructed citizens to self-quarantine at home, warning that a complete mandatory lockdown will be imposed if  government's recommendation were t seriously heeded, confirmed an ncy report. 

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