Suriname’s Chinese community supports fight against COVID-19

The Suriname Chinese United Association (SCUA) has donated surgical masks to the Health Ministry on behalf of the Chinese community. The surgical masks that were manufactured and purchased in Europe were donated to support the fight against the pandemic. The SCUA explained that it became concerned after the government on March 13 announced that there was 1 confirmed case of the novel coronavirus, COVID19, and that this number has already risen to 5. It also expressed concern regarding the fact that more than 200 people have been isolated and are being monitored. “There is a shortage of medical supplies. The Public Health Bureau (BOG) needs a huge quantity of medical supplies so the SCUA placed an urgent order for 2,000 FFP2 surgical masks in Europe which could then be donated to the Surinamese Ministry of Health.” The chairman of the SCUA, Li Xuexiong, pointed out that “we will defeat this epidemic together.” “Medical workers who are on the front line are the heroes and the most important force in the war against the coronavirus. These masks were donated to protect them.” Reza Doekhie, policy advisor at the Ministry of Health, praised the acts of charity of the Chinese community and pointed out that the masks would be put to good use. “These masks have eased the mask shortage,” said the policy advisor who added that he hoped that more people would also show this level of generosity.