China sends medical team to Peru to help fight COVID-19

People wait outside Lima's central market as Peru extended a nationwide lockdown amid the outbreak of the coronavirus in Lima, Peru, May 8, 2020. /Reuters

China has sent a team of medical experts to Peru to help fight the coronavirus epidemic, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Friday.

The team formed by the National Health Commission departed China early Friday morning.

It is the second group of medical professionals China has dispatched to Latin America amid the coronavirus pandemic, said Zhao. China first sent a medical team to Venezuela back in March to help with its COVID-19 response.

The Chinese experts will offer assistance in improving the epidemic control measures in place and the treatments for coronavirus patients in Peru.

Zhao said China will continue to provide help for Latin American and Caribbean countries in different forms, including sharing its experience fighting COVID-19, donating medical supplies and assisting in commercial purchases.