Gesture of friendship

On April 30, 2020, Safety Officer Benjamin Koppe and Peter Schörnig, Head of the Professional Fire Department, accepted 50,000 protective masks.

The city of Jena and the Panyu district of the city of Guangzhou (approx. 15 million inhabitants) in south-east China have been on friendly terms since 2007. Since then, various exchange programs have taken place between the two cities.

Offer from China

Shortly after the start of the coronavirus crisis, the city of Guangzhou offered to donate personal protective equipment to the city of Jena. This was organized and arranged by the German-Chinese Society represented by Ms Hong Wang and Dr Minzhi Wu.

A first delivery of 50,000 protective masks has now arrived at the professional fire department. These are high-quality face masks that can be used primarily in healthcare professions and care facilities. After testing by the health authorities, these masks are of particularly good quality. MagnetWorld GmbH Jena was responsible for the entire logistics and also covered the shipping costs. The total value of the donation, including transportation costs, amounts to around €20,000.

Thanks to the city of Jena

Benjamin Koppe comments:

The city would like to thank the city of Guangzhou, the German-Chinese Society and all those who contributed to the success of the donation campaign. In this challenging crisis situation for all of us, it is good to know that our two cities are helping and supporting each other.

We are happy to be able to help our friends. The donation is an expression of our long-standing solidarity.

Dr. Minzhi Wu, who has been supporting the partnership between Jena and the Panyu district together with Ms. Hong Wang since 2007, adds.

The protective masks will be handed over to the relevant institutions by the city of Jena in the coming days. In addition to today's delivery, a further 50,000 protective masks and 200 medical infrared thermometers are expected from Panyu.