UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Saturday that the world body is donating 250,000 face masks to New York City for the fight against COVID-19.
"I am pleased to announce with United States Ambassador (to the United Nations) Kelly Craft the donation of 250,000 protective face masks, just located in United Nations stores in New York, to the United States," said Guterres in a statement.
These masks, in surplus to UN requirements, will be given to the medical professionals in New York City who have been working courageously, selflessly, and tirelessly in response to the spread of COVID-19 across the boroughs in the hope that they play some small role in saving lives, he said.
"We speak with one voice to express our resolute support for this great city and its proud people. To us, New York is not just our home or the headquarters of the United Nations. It is a vibrant international capital through which the world communicates, debates, trades, and prospers."
"On behalf of the UN community and the diplomatic corps, we sincerely hope this modest donation makes a difference," he said.
UN and U.S. Mission personnel are currently working with the office of New York City mayor Bill de Blasio to ensure the swift delivery of this equipment to medical facilities around the city, said Guterres.
