(Brussels) As coronavirus “cases continue to rise, public health is the number one priority. Whether it be boosting preparedness in Europe, in China or elsewhere, the international community must work together. Europe is here to play a leading role”, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said about the spread of COVID-19.

Commissioner for Crisis Management and European Emergency Response Coordinator Janez Lenarčič (pictured above and at the press conference this morning together with Commissioner Kyriakides) stated: “With more than 2,600 lives lost already, there is no option but to prepare at all levels. Our new aid package” (€232 million allocated this morning) “will support the World Health Organisation and target funding to ensure countries with weaker health systems are not left behind. Our goal is to contain the outbreak at a global level”.