On June 2, the U.S. Embassy in Colombia, in coordination with the Colombian Air Force, donated biosecurity equipment to the medical staff at El Tunal Hospital to protect doctors and nurses treating COVID-19 patients in this area of the country’s capital.
Safety masks and goggles, N95 face masks, vinyl gloves, antibacterial gel, and biosafety protective suits were some of the donated items delivered to Dr. Luis Fernando Pineda, manager of the Integrated Sub-network of Health Services South, who said that “this is a message of encouragement amid these difficult times.”
Lieutenant Colonel Jorge Narváez, head of the Colombian Air Force Integral Action Department, highlighted the importance of the donation, made possible thanks to ongoing coordination between his institution and the U.S. Embassy in Colombia. He emphasized the importance of valuing and supporting health personnel in their tasks during the COVID19 pandemic. “We admire and respect you, in these moments of health crisis; we know that you are out there confronting the disease; you are putting your lives at risk, so you are heroes; keep working,” said Lt. Col. Narváez.
For his part, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Jones of the U.S. Embassy in Colombia highlighted that this donation of protective equipment is meant to help El Tunal Hospital, and its medical personnel who treat COVID-19 patients in Bogotá city, to continue to work as safely as possible.