Alibaba’s co-founder Jack Ma says he is donating 500,000 coronavirus testing kits to the United States. He is also donating one million protective face masks in addition.
He said via Weibo, China’s microblogging platform, that the kits and masks are ready for delivery.
“Drawing from my own country’s experience, speedy and accurate testing and adequate personal protective equipment for medical professionals are most effective in preventing the spread of the virus. We hope that our donation can help Americans fight against the pandemic!” Jack Ma said.
He also posted a copy of his statement via his tweeter handle.
“The pandemic we face today can no longer be resolved by any individual country. We can’t beat this virus unless we eliminate boundaries to resources and share our know-how and hard-earned lessons,” the statement read in part.
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Through a donation of 500,000 testing kits and 1 million masks, we join hands with Americans in these difficult times. pic.twitter.com/tGviVhC6Gx
— Jack Ma Foundation (@foundation_ma) March 13, 2020
This came hours after US President, Donald Trump declared a national emergency regarding coronavirus. Trump is also committing $50 billion in federal resources to combat the pandemic. His administration had endured criticism for being slow to test and respond to the spread of the disease from Asia.
Jack Ma sending more face masks to Europe
Ma had donated a million face masks to Japan as of 2nd March 2020. The Chinese billionaire had also been trying to ship one million facemasks to Iran as of 6th March 2020.
On 11th March 2020, Jack Ma wrote that 1.8 million face masks and 100,000 testing kits will make their way to Europe. He also shared plans to donate to Italy, Belgium, and Spain specifically.
As of when this article was written, 2,195 people in the US have tested positive for the coronavirus by 14th March 2020.
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