The diagnosis of coronavirus infection has been made since the beginning of the epidemic thanks to the PCR test; this technique has been complemented by rapid diagnostic tests, which are easier to use and allow results to be obtained in 15 minutes from the person’s home PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), which is commonly and routinely […]
Covid-19: How unprecedented data sharing has led to faster-than-ever outbreak research
Advances in gene sequencing have allowed scientists to trace and monitor the COVID-19 pandemic faster than any previous outbreak. When the new coronavirus (formally known as SARS-CoV-2) was identified in China in January, scientists around the world were ready to respond. The virus’s entire genetic makeup, or genome, was published online within days. By comparison, during the […]
FIFA and OMS campaign to kick out coronavirus
FIFA and the World Health Organization (WHO) have teamed up to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) by launching a new awareness campaign led by world-renowned footballers, who are calling on all people around the world to follow five key steps to stop the spread of the disease. The “Pass the message to kick out coronavirus” campaign […]
COVID-19: action to procure life-saving medical equipment
Parliament is working with member states to ensure that the EU can buy ventilators, masks and other medical equipment to be put at the disposal of hospitals across the EU. rescEU Last week, the Commission set up a scheme to gather medical equipment (through rescEU) so that the necessary supplies to combat COVID-19 can quickly get […]
26th March: special plenary session to speed up implementation corona measures
This Thursday the Parliament is holding a special plenary session so that the first measures to help people and business deal with the impact of the corona outbreak can be approved. The Parliament is fully supporting unprecedented measures being taken by the EU to help member states deal with the pandemic and mitigate its effects. […]
COVID-19: research package to be better equipped in future
Crisis-response measures should be combined with a long-term commitment to EU research programmes, says Research MEP. Working on new meassures EC proposes significant budget package to fight pandemic EP Research MEP welcomes emergency measures We have to invest more in research and be ready for the next crisis Horizon Europe rapporteur Christian Ehler (EPP, DE) applaud […]
Coronavirus: Commission proposes to activate fiscal framework’s general escape clause to respond to pandemicCoronavirus: activating fiscal framework’s general escape clause to respond to pandemic
The Commission proposed on Friday the 20th the activation of the general escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) as part of its strategy to respond quickly, forcefully and in a coordinated manner to the coronavirus pandemic. Once endorsed by the Council, it will allow Member States to undertake measures to deal adequately […]
The Ministry of Health provides the NHS with human and professional resources to combat COVID-19
Salvador Illa, Minister of Health, explained the expansion of the healthcare team by more than 50,000 professionals who are already available to join the assistance teams of the different health administrations. This initiative aims at strengthening the public health system to fight COVID-19. Initiative 1. Increase of 50,000 health professionals This is a group made […]
Delivering masks across borders: EU Single Market protecting citizens’ health
The continuous supply of essential goods and vital medical and protective equipment within the Single Market is key to addressing the COVID-19 crisis. The chairs of Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, Petra De Sutter (Greens/EFA, BE), and Transport Committee, Karima Delli (Greens/EFA, FR), welcomed today’s rapid decision of EU Transport ministers to support green lane supply routes […]