The Vatican is shipping thousands of surgical masks to China amid the coronavirus outbreak to help combat the spread of the mysterious illness.
Between 600,000 and 700,000 masks have been sent to three provinces in China since Jan. 27, according to the Catholic News Service.
“The masks are destined to the provinces of Hubei, Zhejiang and Fujian,” the Vatican said. “It is a joint initiative of the Office of Papal Charities and the Chinese Church in Italy, in collaboration with the Vatican pharmacy.”
The spread of the coronavirus has prompted people in search of surgical masks in China, as well as other countries, to flock to stores in hopes of purchasing them. Several stores in Washington, D.C., sold out of the masks amid coronavirus fears.
While the masks are in high demand, they may not be effective at preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
“The regular kind of mask you’d find online is not all that helpful against any kind of virus,” said Dr. Amy Shah, an allergy and immunology specialist. “Is it bad? No. It’s not like it’s harmful. But will it completely protect you? No. The best thing you can do is wash your hands frequently — with water and antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds — and to keep your immune system up.”
The coronavirus popped up in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has since spread to nearly 20 countries across the world. China has remained by far the worst affected by the virus, reporting 362 fatalities and more than 17,000 infected. China’s National Health Commission released the latest numbers on Sunday announcing that the coronavirus has eclipsed the SARS outbreak of 2002-03.
