SZ-made test kits sent to Serbia

A box of rapid-test kits manufactured by Shenzhen-based BGI Genomics. Shenzhen BGI

A total of 1,000 rapid-test kits manufactured by Shenzhen-based BGI Genomics were sent to Belgrade in Serbia over the weekend to help fight COVID-19. It was the first-ever batch of medical aid from China to Serbia.

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

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

The test kits arrived at Belgrade on Sunday night and have been distributed to the Serbian 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.

As of Serbian time 8 a.m. yesterday, there are 65 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Serbia, and 335 people have been tested.

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