Gaza Strip runs out of coronavirus tests, appeals for outside help

REUTERS, 07TH DECEMBER, 2020
 The Gaza Strip has run out of coronavirus testing kits and has appealed to several external organizations for help in replenishing their supplies, according to the director of the central laboratory in the enclave.

Ameed Mushtaha said on Monday: “We haven’t received any of the testing materials for the last four days.” The lab is the only one in the territory that can process coronavirus tests.

He added that the Health Ministry had asked the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations and the Palestinian Authority (PA) to immediately send medical supplies to Gaza.

An advisor to the Gaza Health Ministry said that the WHO had agreed to the delivery of 5,000 tests.

The PA, however, which rules the Palestinian territories in the West Bank, is suffering from its own shortage of tests and has also turned to the WHO for more.