Remarks were delivered by Commissioner Kyriakides at the joint press conference with Commissioner Lenarcic on the EU’s response, preparedness and financial support to address the COVID-19 outbreak.

COVID-19 press point full:

Dear ladies and gentlemen,

Like all viruses, COVID-19 does not know regions, countries, nor continents. As Commissioner Lenarcic has said, we can only contain this outbreak and avoid further global spread if we address this at global level, together. Protecting our citizens is also our main priority. We have been following the developing situation in Italy very closely over the weekend. These rapid developments over the past days confirm that the situation can change very quickly

Whilst the overall number of cases in the EU remain low developments such as the one in Italy are of concern and show how important it is that all Member States are prepared and stand ready in case they are faced with similar situations. I have been in regular contact with Minister Speranza over the past days and have been informed that the necessary measures to trace and contain the spread of the COVID-19 have been taken. I commend the Italian authorities for their swift, and efficient action, as well as their transparency.

Since Saturday, daily contacts at technical level are taking place with the Italian authorities, the Commission, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and WHO Europe to discuss the evolving situation. In the context of our contacts with Italy, I would like to inform you that you that, in agreement with the Italian authorities, a joint WHO-ECDC expert mission will be sent to Italy tomorrow.

In view of the recent developments, we have asked the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to update their risk assessment to take into consideration the developing situation in Italy and possible scenarios and actions that need to be taken in view of this. This risk assessment is, as we speak, discussed with the ECDC Advisory Forum and will also be discussed with all Member States at today’s Health Security Committee meeting, which will be held this morning.

The European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention is also reviewing contingency plans in Member States in case of an outbreak, which will lead to higher number of cases.

To support preparedness, we are also making quick progress on the launch of a joint procurement procedure to support the access to personal protective equipment that Member States may need.

We are also making a full review into what funding mechanisms we can activate within the EU to provide support if needed in the context of our response planning.

From the Commission side, since the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in China, we have been working with Member States on contingency planning and preparedness measures at different
levels, to ensure that authorities and health care workers have the necessary information and guidance on how to deal with cases, that procedures for contact tracing are in place and that sufficient
laboratory capacity is ensured.

We will continue to do our utmost to support Member States addressing the situation of COVID-19 and stand ready to accelerate and step up this work. We all need to take this situation very seriously, but without giving
in to panic, even more importantly, to disinformation.

What we need is to be united in our response – coherent and coordinated with each other, and very importantly, keep each other informed in real time of developments and measures taken. I cannot stress this enough: It is only together that we can address this situation.