PARIS, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The French authorities, facing a dire shortage of protective equipment against the COVID-19 epidemic that affects the entire population and the healthcare staff in particular, welcomed the "solidarity" China has shown by sending a batch of medical supplies to France.
A Chinese flight loaded with masks, gloves and other protective equipment landed at Paris Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport on Wednesday and another flight is expected on Thursday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told BFM Television.
"It is a gesture that must be appreciated," said the minister. "A month ago, when the crisis started in China, we sent our own solidarity to the Chinese authorities by delivering protective equipment," he said. "The Chinese now returned solidarity to us."
The masks are donations from two Chinese charities. "At the crucial moment of China's fight against the epidemic, France has given us precious support and help. Currently, while France and all of Europe are facing the serious challenge of the pandemic, China is ready to provide aid as far as possible," said Chinese ambassador to France Lu Shaye.
China has already sent experts and equipment to Italy, the country most affected in Europe by the COVID-19.
In France, where the population has been confined since Tuesday, the spread of the virus has not abated. A total of 9,134 infection cases and 264 deaths have been registered as of Wednesday, with 3,626 people being hospitalized. A military hospital is being set up in Grand Est, a region particularly affected by the epidemic.
"We have an epidemic that worsens very rapidly," said Health Director General Jerome Salomon in his daily briefing on Wednesday, adding that the shortage of masks is worrying.
Salomon said that the government was in the process of "delivering to all pharmacies" in the metropolitan area "more than 12 million masks." In addition, "more than 10 million masks will also be delivered to hospitals."
The Defense Ministry also released 4 million masks, Salomon added, calling on the French to donate their masks to doctors, hospitals, pharmacies.
For several weeks now, medical officials and health specialists have been sounding the alarm. The shortage affects all personnel in contact with the public, especially the police.
"The problem is the lack of resources," police union official Steve Pozar said on television on Wednesday. "Our colleagues lack masks, hydroalcoholic gels and gloves..." he said.
Government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye said on Wednesday: "There have been some logistical difficulties recently, but the masks have been arriving in pharmacies since yesterday."
"We have put pressure on our production which does not have extensive capacities, that is why we have a thrifty management of these masks with absolute priority to the health workers," she said after a cabinet meeting.
