KUWAIT CITY, Feb 18, (KUNA): Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Li Minggang said Tuesday he had fruitful meetings with high-level Kuwaiti officials, closely monitoring updates of the new coronavirus.

According to Chinese authorities’ daily report, deaths from coronavirus increased to 1,868 and around 72,528 confirmed cases. In a press conference, the ambassador said that during his meetings with Kuwaiti officials, they confirmed support to China as they would provide assistance to the friendly people there in an attempt to limit the danger of the epidemic. “We also received calls from Kuwaiti companies, who confirmed providing financial and economic aid to China,” Ambassador Li noted.

Despite China’s preparations to control the novel virus, the Chinese side still needs more beds, masks and medical supplies, he pointed out.

The natural economic and cultural exchange between China and Kuwait was affected within a certain limit due to Kuwait’s procedures, Li said. He said that the Kuwaiti side expressed hope to send medical teams after the end of this crisis to exchange medical experiences and expertise.

Coronavirus, now known as COVID-19, is not limited to a specific country, he said. It is a global health outbreak that needs collateral action as China so far received financial and material aid from about 40 countries, added Li.

Meanwhile, spokesman of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health (MoH) Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad on Monday dismissed what has been circulated on social media networks regarding the diagnosing of a coronavirus case at a Kuwaiti hospital.

In a press statement, Al-Sanad said that most pictures and footages are related to tests made by the Ministry to make sure of the readiness of the technical and medical staff. He stressed that no coronavirus has been registered in Kuwait.

Al-Sanad called on both citizens and residents to follow up the Ministry’s official channels to be acquainted with the latest developments, and follow up the awareness guidelines and preventive measures in this matter.