Guangzhou donated 900 thousand masks and 1000 infrared thermometers to its international sister cities in Italy including Padova, Bari, Genoa, Milan and Turin. All of the medical supplies had landed in the five cities by March 23rd.

The donation includes 300 thousand surgical masks and 200 infrared thermometers for Padova. Sergio Giordani, Mayor of Padova, appreciated Guangzhou’s aid at this time, the height of the epidemic in Italy.

The medical supplies arrived in Padova. [Photo provided by GZ FAO]

Sergio Giordani said the donated resources will be immediately sent to frontline workers, including medical staff, law enforcement officers and volunteers, so as to ensure they could better protect themselves and serve the public. The rest of the donation will be distributed amongst local residents.

Local media in Padova reported on the donation from Guangzhou, publishing the letters between the mayors of the two cities, and putting up sign boards that read “Thank you, Guangzhou”.

[Photo provided by GZ FAO]

The Confucius Institute co-established by Guangzhou University and the University of Padova has also spared no efforts to assist local epidemic work. On March 17th, a team of medical experts organized by the National Health Commission of China and the Red Cross Society of China arrived in Padova to share information about epidemic prevention and control with the medical and surgery faculty of the University of Padova and other medical institutions, with the aim of better helping the city fight against the virus.

As of March 21st, Italy had confirmed more than 50 thousand COVID-19 cases. Guangzhou allocated medical supplies and sent them to its sister cities as rapidly as possible although its medical supplies and logistics resources are still limited.

When the outbreak started, mayors of Bari, Genoa, Padova and Turin sent letters to Guangzhou to express solidarity. The support between Guangzhou and its sister cities is in line with the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Guangzhou has previously been working closely with its sister cities in Italy in such fields as innovation, education, culture and art, and has launched various joint projects including the concerts co-hosted with Genoa, and the Sino-Italian international research center for historical architecture and cultural heritage protection jointly established by Guangzhou University and the University of Padova.

Author: Jasmine, Zoey (intern)

Editor: Keane, Simon