DILI, March 6, 2020 (TATOLI) – China’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Xiao Jianguo, has delivered portable infrared scanners to Timor-Leste to help the country keep the coronavirus from crossing its borders.
The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEK), Jorge Camões, said the scanners were donated by the Chinese Government following a request from the Ministry of Health.
“This equipment aims to respond to an eventual outbreak of the coronavirus that has been worrying the entire population,” he said on Wednesday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dili.
The package includes a thermal imaging camera, six thermometers and three thousand masks to help the Timorese Government to prevent and control the epidemic.
The imaging camera will be used at the airport to detect all passengers who enter with abnormal body temperature; evidence of a fever that is symptomatic of Covid-19.
“When there is a change in body temperature, the device immediately identifies it,” the Chinese Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Xiao Jianguo said.
Mr Xiao said he was convinced that the Ministry of Health will make adequate use of the material now acquired to prevent the virus from entering Timor-Leste.
Timor-Leste is yet to register a case of the virus, which has infected almost 100,000 people worldwide since it was first detected in Wuhan, China, on New Year’s Eve. Some 3,280 people have died as of Friday morning, according to the World Health Organisation.
Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak said yesterday the country should remain vigilant, but ready in the event on an infection.
“Psychologically we have to be prepared. Because the illness the same as all other [related] illnesses,” he said.
Speaking after a meeting with President Francisco Guterres Lú-Olo, where the pair discussed Timor’s preparedness for Covid-19, Mr Taur said it was important not to assume Timor-Leste would be spared.
“[At first] we thought it was just affecting China, but in reality it has been felt in America, Australia, Singapore, Italy and other countries,” he said.
Journalist: Hortencio Sanchez
Editors: Robert Baird; Agapito dos Santos
Translation: Nelia Borges
Read the original Tetum here: Xina Entrega Ekipamentu Prevensaun Coronavirus ba TL
