Coronavirus: Haiti receives the first delivery of medical equipment ordered from China

Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, May 7, 2020. Pierre Michel Jean / AFP

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Haiti received the first of five cargo planes filled with medical equipment ordered from China on May 7. More than 460 tonnes of equipment will be distributed in hospitals and health centers in the country, which are sorely lacking in resources. The epidemic is still in its infancy in the Caribbean country. The latest report from the authorities shows 108 cases and 12 deaths.

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With our correspondent in Port-au-Prince, Amélie Baron

President, first lady, ministers and scientific cell: many officials attended the unloading of the first tonnes of equipment at the airport on May 7. Jovenel Moïse announced that in addition to these beds, respirators, glasses and masks, the State had placed a new order. "  We placed an order for oxygen : 2,500 bottles and nine oxygen generators ," he said. This material will also arrive in the country. Why is that ? To save lives  ”.

Haitian President @moisejovenel with his wife and the scientific cell to fight the new coronavirus are on the tarmac at Port-au-Prince airport to receive the first shipment of medical equipment ordered in response to the epidemic # Haiti # Covid19 #AFP pic.twitter.com/ERrQpnFZaX

  Amélie Baron (@Ameliebaron) May 7, 2020

Like all the delegation, the Haitian president wore a mask. He wants to preach his usefulness to all citizens. "  I know there is a lot of information about the screenings, the possible numbers of cases and the number of deaths ," added Jovenel Moïse. But I must tell you today that the number of cases and the number of deaths depend very much on you, on your behavior : putting on a mask can save your life, that of those you love, your friends, that of another compatriot  ".

From Monday, May 11, wearing a mask will be mandatory in all public places in Haiti. The penalty for non-compliance has not been specified by the government.

► Read also: Haiti: the difficult application of anti-Covid-19 measures

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  • Haiti
  • Coronavirus
  • Health and Medicine

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