Egypt has sent medical supplies to the US on board a C-130 military aircraft as a contribution towards the latter's fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Egyptian aircraft was scheduled to land at Washington DC's Dulles International Airport on Tuesday. On Monday, US officials said that the Egyptian supplies are a gesture of support to US President Donald Trump, and mark the close US-Egypt alliance, according to the Washington Post. The supplies include anaesthetics and medication, in addition to body bags, medical masks and testing swabs. The shipment is the latest donation of medical supplies from Egypt to countries highly infected by the pandemic. Last week, Egypt sent a large number of medical gowns to the UK to help British healthcare staff tackle the coronavirus pandemic there. The gowns, designed to resist droplets that can cause the further spread of the virus, will help with the British medics' urgent need for personal protective equipment (PPE). On 4 April, Health Minister Hala Zayed arrived in Italy to follow-up on the latest news of the pandemic in Italy. The visit came under presidential direction from President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. Accompanying Zayed were two Egyptian military aircraft that landed in Rome with aid, protective gear, and medical equipment to help the country in its containment efforts. Italy, which has been the hardest coronavirus-hit country in Europe, has asked its European neighbours for help to contain the pandemic. It has had to turn to China for assistance, however, which has sent a number of experts and medical supplies. A few days ago, Egypt has received 4 tonnes of medical protective supplies from China to help the country fight the coronavirus.
