Italy has become the new hotbed of the novel coronavirus, as its number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has surpassed 53,500 and 4,825 people have died from the disease so far.
Russia will send medical virologists, doctors and equipment to Italy to help combat the new coronavirus outbreak, the Russian Ministry of Defence said on Saturday.
According to the statement, the assistance will be sent beginning on March 22, as per Russian President Vladimir Putin’s order.
Italian Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini later thanked Russia for providing prompt assistance and confirmed Italy was ready to accept it beginning on 22 March.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte also discussed the COVID-19 pandemic during phone talks on Saturday, in which Putin confirmed Russia’s readiness to provide aid.
Originating in China last December, the epicentre of the new coronavirus disease has moved to Europe, namely to Italy, where a total of 53,578 cases have been confirmed and 4,825 deaths from the virus have been registered.
What's happening in Tunisia?
Subscribe to our Youtube channel for updates.
