Venezuela establishes permanent airlift with China to receive supplies against COVID-19

As part of its health contingency plan to fight COVID-19, Venezuela established a permanent airlift with China in order to secure necessary supplies and equipment for the early detection of this infectious disease in the country. This bilateral cooperation mechanism was established in the face of the unilateral coercive measures imposed on Venezuela by the US government that prevent the purchase of necessary medicines to fight COVID-19. “We have established an airlift with the People’s Republic of China so that Venezuela be supplied and be able to address this contingency amid the worst criminal blockade our people has suffered,” stressed Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez. Earlier on Thursday, March 19, Venezuela received a donation of biosecurity items, medical supplies and 320,000 diagnosis tests to assist COVID-19 cases and be used in early diagnosis rounds that will be conducted throughout the country next weekend. “Materials have arrived to supply our healthcare centers: fans, air purifiers, protective goggles, masks, and everything we need,” said Rodríguez at the Presidential Command Post. The Venezuelan vice president appealed to the people’s conscience and discipline to effectively observe the preventative measures adopted by the Venezuelan government, like a collective quarantine decreed in 23 states and the Capital District. “Under no circumstances we can loosen our grip on the collective, social quarantine. It’s the only efficient mechanism to prevent this virus’ spread curve from growing,” she said. Presidential Press Office