TIRANA – EU leaders have begun to explore possible exit strategies to their national lockdowns – as the latest figures in the worst-hit member states indicate a slowing in the rate of new coronavirus cases and deaths, a report by EUobserver said on Tuesday
Italy, Spain, France and Germany on Monday all reported declines in their daily death tolls from the virus, roughly three weeks after lockdowns and restrictive measures entered into force.
German chancellor Angela Merkel warned of the economic and political consequences of the coronavirus pandemic saying the EU is facing the biggest challenge since its foundation.
“Everyone has been hit equally by this and it must be in the interest of everyone, and of Germany, that Europe emerges stronger from this test,” Merkel said in a press briefing.
In another event China delivered two million surgical masks, 200,000 N95 masks and 50,000 testing kits to Italy, said the European Commission on Monday. The gear is a direct donation to the European Union, with distribution set for throughout Italy.
“We are grateful for China’s support,” said Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for crisis management, noting that the EU had also delivered some 56 tonnes of equipment to China already in February./argumentum.al