Photo: People's daily

 
The first batch of medical aid from China to Serbia has arrived in Belgrade over the weekend to help fight the COVID-19.

The Serbian government said in a press release on Monday that the shipment included 1,000 rapid test kits manufactured by the Shenzhen-based BGI Genomics, which were donated by the Chinese humanitarian organization Mammoth Foundation.

The assistance action was coordinated by the Chinese Embassy in Serbia, in cooperation with the Serbian government.

The test kits arrived here on Sunday night and have been distributed to the national laboratory overnight. According to Xiong Tao, vice president of the BGI global development, the test kits can provide results within three hours.

"We are convinced that with the help of our Chinese friends, with their expertise and experience, we will be able to successfully cope with the COVID-19 and that Serbia will emerge from this battle as a winner," the government said in the press release.

So far there are 57 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Serbia, and 316 people have been tested.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Sunday announced a state of emergency in the country to suppress the outbreak of coronavirus.

Speaking at the presidency building after meeting government members and medical experts, Vucic revealed that measures within the state of emergency will include closure of schools and kindergartens, while hospitals will be secured by the army.

Vucic said that foreigners won't be allowed to enter Serbia, while all returnees will be quarantined no matter where they are from. All arriving Serbian citizens will be quarantined for at least 14 days, while those from infection hotbeds for 28 days.

According to the president, "the only ones allowed will be Chinese doctors" who were asked to come to help treat patients in upcoming days.