IRELAND is set to receive help from abroad in the battle against coronavirus.
China is planning to send "50-60" planeloads of protective medical equipment for healthcare workers to use in Irish hospitals and health centres.
It comes amid news of mass shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout Ireland, with workers reportedly having to share masks and goggles while at work.
Dr Colm Henry of the Health Service Executive (HSE) said that equipment had been hard to come by due to a "very competitive global market".
Thankfully, China have agreed a deal to send millions of pieces of equipment to aid in Ireland's fight.
"We're talking about millions of respiratory masks, facial masks, long-sleeved gowns, goggles, all that equipment we need will be coming in, in millions, in 50-60 airplane loads, beginning we hope this coming Sunday from China," Dr Henry said.
David Kenny, deputy general manager of Huawei Ireland said in statement that the Chinese company would also be offering their help in the fight against the virus, should Ireland need it.
"Covid-19 knows no borders, it knows no nationality, and we are all in this together," he said.
"We have been in Ireland for over 15 years and we will do everything we can to help, as we are doing in the other European countries we operate in.
"Huawei will donate personal protective equipment to help those working on the frontline, and ICT solutions which could help with video conferencing, or any other useful applications for those who need it," he added.
