DISINFO: US refused to help Italy against COVID-19
SUMMARY
The United States refused to help Italy in fighting the coronavirus epidemic.
RESPONSE
This is part of the ongoing pro-Kremlin disinformation campaign around the coronavirus pandemic, one aim of which is to undermine European and transatlantic solidarity in face of the crisis, in line with the Kremlin's longstanding objectives to weaken the transatlantic democratic alliance. On 11 April, US President Donald Trump ordered top U.S. administration officials to help Italy in fighting the novel coronavirus by providing medical supplies, humanitarian relief and other assistance. In a memo to several Cabinet ministers, Trump ordered a variety of measures to help Italy, including making U.S. military personnel in the country available for telemedicine services, helping set up field hospitals, and transporting supplies. He also ordered his commerce secretary to encourage U.S. suppliers to sell products requested by Italian authorities and healthcare providers. The US Department of State added that a "robust assistance package" will be given to Italy.
"This will include support for international organizations and NGOs, including faith-based organizations, many of which are already providing essential relief to Italian communities. These efforts will help support the recovery of the Italian economy. The United States will also provide technical support to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, building on existing, productive partnerships between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Italy’s health sector. We will identify excess military supplies and encourage donations from the U.S. private sector. Italy hosts about 30,000 U.S. military personnel and families. U.S. military personnel will assist with a variety of functions, including providing telemedicine services, facilitating the transport and assembly of field hospitals and equipment, treating non-COVID-19 patients, and supporting transport of supplies, fuel, and food".
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