(Brussels) “Following the developments in Italy, the Commission is stepping up its support to Member States” in response to the coronavirus emergency. Stella Kyriakides (pictured), European Commissioner for Health, stated: “In view of the rapidly evolving situation, we stand ready to increase our assistance. In this vein, a joint expert mission of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organisation will depart to Italy this week to support the Italian authorities”. At the headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels, the EU authorities are in contact with the Italian Government. “The European Commission is working around the clock to support EU Member States and strengthen international efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19”, a statement released this morning explains. “To boost global preparedness, prevention and containment of the virus, the Commission announces today a new aid package worth €232 million. Part of these funds will be allocated immediately to different sectors, while the rest will be released in the next months”. The funds will go in part to EU countries and in part to non-EU countries to help containment and prevention of the virus.