Coronavirus Outbreak
Late last year, a new virus emerged in Wuhan, China. Since then, many have lost their lives and tens of thousands have been infected. While China may have navigated through the worst of the pandemic, it is far from over.
Red Cross Response
The Chinese Red Cross has been on the ground since the very beginning of the crisis. The RCSSC sent a working group from Beijing and deployed relief teams from provincial branches across the country to Wuhan.
In addition, the Chinese Red Cross provided urgently needed medical supplies and equipment to Hubei and other provinces with severe outbreaks. Red Cross ambulance teams worked on the front lines in Hubei, transporting and treating patients, and contributing significantly to the prevention and control of the disease.
The Canadian Red Cross was also active in supporting the Chinese Red Cross from the early days of the outbreak, sending Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on behalf of the Government of Canada.
The Canadian and Chinese Red Cross also shared best practices on responding to the virus, through virtual sessions that included members of the Canadian medical community.
Fundraising
Thanks to the generosity of individuals, corporations and governments, the Canadian Red Cross has raised more than $1.6 million for the China Novel-Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response appeal.
How funds are being used
Funds from the China Novel-Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response appeal will support two key areas to strengthen the Chinese Red Cross’ ability to respond to COVID-19 now as well as other health emergencies well into the future.
- Procure Negative Pressure Ambulances for COVID-19 Response
- During its respond to the pandemic, the Chinese Red Cross has been transporting patients in negative pressure ambulances, special vehicles that lower the air pressure to below the outside atmospheric pressure – meaning that air can only flow from the outside to the inside. They have proven to be effective tool in preventing further infections, especially to health care workers.
- Funds will be used to help the Chinese Red Cross procure and dispatch 13 negative pressure ambulances to further augment the pandemic response. Subsequently, once the pandemic is under control, the ambulances will be repurposed for emergency treatment of patients in public health emergencies as well as emergency transportation under normal circumstances.
- Improve the Emergency Operation Centre’s System (EOCS)
- Since the beginning of the COVID-19 response in China, the advantages of remote communication and information technology have become prominent. Remote communication can effectively reduce people’s direct contact and ensure that emergency work is carried out in an orderly, safe manner.
- Funds will be used to strengthen the Chinese Red Cross’ visual management and logistics data management to allow better communication between National Headquarters and Emergency Response Teams, track the implementation of activities in real time, and allow the Chinese Red Cross to better understand frontline work dynamics, conditions, and needs.