By Caribbean News Global 
OTTAWA, Canada – Canada is working with its partners and international organizations to control the spread of COVID-19 around the world; meanwhile the US is working to deploy resources and supplies, including therapeutics, rapid testing kits, ventilators, PPE, and raw materials that are needed to manufacture vaccines in India, the respective world powers announced Tuesday.
Canada announced that its contribution is “vital to helping those affected by the pandemic and protecting their health and safety.”
Karina Gould, minister of international development, announced, Canada is providing $10 million in funding for humanitarian assistance to the Canadian Red Cross to support the Indian Red Cross Society’s response to the devastating situation unfolding in India. Canada’s contribution will support the procurement of essential supplies and medicines, including oxygen cylinders for clinics and ambulances.
Meanwhile, Canadians wishing to donate to emergency efforts in India can do so through the Canadian Red Cross.
“Canada stands with the people of India as they go through these difficult times. This funding will help meet some of the most urgent medical needs like purchasing and distributing essential supplies as well as supporting vital blood and ambulance services,” said minister Gould.
US response to COVID-19 in India
“We are sending the actual mechanical parts that are needed for the machinery they have to build a vaccine. And that’s being done as well,” president Joe Biden said, delivering remarks on the White House’s North Lawn on Tuesday.
“Over the weekend, we shared that we are working to deploy resources and supplies, including therapeutics, rapid testing kits, ventilators, PPE, and raw materials that are needed to manufacture vaccines in India.The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has a long history of working with and in India on public health measures, will be deploying a Strike Team to the country to support the public health efforts there. We are committed to helping India through this difficult time.
In addition, president Biden announced that “given the strong portfolio of approved, highly effective, and safe vaccines here in the United States, we are looking at the options to share AstraZeneca vaccines with other countries as they become available. This should amount to around 60 million doses or so over the next two months.
“The AstraZeneca vaccine is highly safe and effective, and approved in many parts of the world. And since it is not approved for use in the US, we do not need to use the AstraZeneca vaccine here during the next few months. We have sufficient supply of vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson to accommodate our needs in the US.”
Wearing a mask
US president Biden added: “There are many situations where fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask, particularly if they are outdoors, … If you are fully vaccinated and want to attend a small outdoor gathering with people who are vaccinated and unvaccinated or dine at an outdoor restaurant with friends from multiple households, the science shows, if you’re vaccinated, you can do so safely unmasked.”
