Guangzhou has sent medical supplies that are urgently needed in the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak to 12 sister cities including Gwangju, Fukuoka, Milan, and Lyon by March 18.

The supplies, consisting of 2.55 million masks and 2,200 forehead thermometers, have arrived in 12 cities in succession to meet local needs.

Guangzhou has devoted great efforts in the production of medical supplies used for COVID-19 epidemic control and prevention. The city has seen a daily output of 15.2 million masks, 6,100 forehead thermometers, 63,400 medical protective clothing, and 17,000 testing kits by March 24.

Part of the supplies produced by Guangzhou have been reserved for the city's sister cities, and the foreign affairs office of the Guangzhou municipal government has been actively communicating with several airlines to make sure that the supplies can be sent as soon as possible.

A total of 300,000 surgical masks were sent to Fukuoka, Japan, Guangzhou's first sister city. Soichiro Takashima, mayor of Fukuoka, has sent a thank you letter to Guangzhou, highly praising Guangzhou's kindness in helping its sister cities.

Takashima noted that the masks donated by Guangzhou will be first distributed to medical institutes, as well as organizations for the elderly, disabled, and children.

Guangzhou sends medical supplies that are urgently needed in the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak to 12 sister cities by March 18. [Photo/WeChat account: GZWS411665430]