German army to send emergency aid to coronavirus-hit Portugal

The German army said on Monday that it will send health workers and equipment to Portugal to support the country's over-stretched medical system, reported Xinhua.

The German Defense Ministry said in a statement that the support team, which was previously brought together at the Rapid Emergency Medical Service Command, will provide Portugal with 26 paramedics and equipment, including 150 infusion devices, 150 field hospital beds and 50 ventilators.

The medical staff will mainly support a hospital in Lisbon, according to the statement. Some traveling specialists will also support other hospitals. The aid measures are initially intended to last for 21 days.

"The coronavirus presents us all with challenges. There is also considerable pressure on the German health system. Nevertheless, we are convinced that solidarity is indispensable in Europe in these times," said German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer.

COVID-19 cases are surging in Portugal. On Sunday the country reported 9,498 new coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours as well as 303 new deaths. COVID-19 toll stood at 12,482.

"When our European allies are in dire need, we naturally help them," said Kramp-Karrenbauer.