Covid-19: the EU mobilizes 220 million euros for the transfer of patients between countries
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, at a press conference in Brussels, October 29, 2020. Olivier Hoslet / AP Photo via Pool
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Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced Thursday, October 29, funding for a platform to transfer Covid-19 patients from one country to another.
The goal: to relieve hospitals overwhelmed by the second wave of the pandemic.
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Faced with an outbreak of Covid-19 contaminations this fall, Europe is reconfiguring itself, restricting its movements, and suffering
the second wave of the pandemic
.
A health situation which led to the holding of a summit of 27, Thursday, by videoconference.
Upon completion,
Ursula von der Leyen
held a press conference.
The President of the European Commission unveiled the outlines of a health system aimed at better managing patients sick with the new coronavirus.
In order to relieve overburdened hospital services, the European Union will fund transfers of patients from one country to another.
An envelope of 220 million euros will be released.
► See also: The European Union raises more than 200 billion euros with its Covid-19 obligations
"Avoid sending contradictory messages"
Ursula von der Leyen calls on states to “
share accurate and real-time data
” on this platform.
The German leader wants to be strict: “
The good use of funds requires having good information.
It intends to "
bring together experts who provide advice to national governments, in order to share best practices, harmonize scientific recommendations and avoid sending contradictory messages
".
Counting on the unity of EU members, the President of the European Commission explains that the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control will identify the capacities in intensive care units.
She also called for strengthening the interoperability (communication between several systems) of tracking applications, downloaded so far by 50 million Europeans.
Three of them have already been connected to the Brussels “gateway system”, and 19 more are expected to follow.
President @vonderleyen discussed the COVID-19 situation with EU leaders today.
To overcome the pandemic we need:
1⃣ sharing of data with @ECDC_EU
2⃣ exchange of best practices
3⃣ massive testing
4⃣ tracing apps
5⃣ vaccination
All together, we will overcome the virus.
pic.twitter.com/Gq75Ajlwqq
European Commission 🇪🇺 (@EU_Commission) October 29, 2020
Borders remain open, rapid tests advocated while waiting for vaccines
In addition, European leaders discussed free movement.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for not reproducing the same mechanisms as in the spring, when most countries closed their borders.
This is so that “
the economy continues to function
” and that Europe can “
fight the pandemic together
”.
A point of view shared by Charles Michel, the President of the European Council.
Ursula von der Leyen also spoke about future vaccines against Covid-19.
It ensures that they will be available to all States "
at the same time and under the same conditions
".
Each state is invited to provide its national plan, so that the European Commission ensures that all the necessary infrastructures are provided.
While waiting for the arrival of these vaccines, the EU insists on its strategy of massive tests.
It wants to generalize the new rapid tests and provides 100 million euros for their deployment.
“
We need patience, discipline and solidarity to slow the spread of the virus.
The European Union is working hard on all aspects of the crisis,
”urged Ursula von der Leyen on social networks.
(With AFP)
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