Coronavirus: the Red Cross is prepared

The Red Cross and Red Crescent International Movement is a key player in responding to the epidemic which is raging in China and has spread to 24 other countries. The Monaco Red Cross has already responded to the appeal for 32 million Swiss francs launched by its International Federation.

 In partnership with WHO, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is coordinating the action of 192 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, especially in Asia Pacific, which are monitoring the spread of the epidemic, are pre-positioning equipment to protect their staff, planning various scenarios, analysing the risks and taking other preventative measures.

An appeal for 32 million Swiss francs was launched by the IFCR on Tuesday 11th February. Scaled according to how well-prepared each country is and the progress of the epidemic there –  a great deal of the Red Cross’s action concerns China – it will help to promote community-based health and hygiene in order to prevent and slow down transmission, give access to basic social services in the communities already affected, and to reduce rumours and stigma concerning individuals from areas affected by the outbreak. All of these areas are of paramount importance in order to stop the coronavirus spreading.

Highly concerned by this epidemic, the Monaco Red Cross has already donated €70,000 to the ICFR,

Each one of us should feel concerned about this epidemic. A few simple precautions can be taken in order to avoid contamination: washing your hands regularly, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, avoiding close contact with anyone showing the symptoms of a respiratory illness. The Red Cross does not recommend wearing a mask if you do not have any symptoms of a respiratory illness. Should you have a fever, cough and shortness of breath, call 18 or 112. Avoid all contact and make a list of your recent travels.

If you would also like to contribute to the ICFR appeal, you can make a donation specifying “coronavirus”:

• By cheque or in cash, at the Monaco Red Cross – 27 Boulevard de Suisse, Monaco
• Via our website croix-rouge.mc, selecting « coronavirus » on the online donation page
• By bank transfer (bank details available on our website page dedicated to donations).