The Society of Jesus has donated 1,800 surgical N95 masks to Jingzhou No 1 People′s Hospital in Hubei province.

Jesuit Superior General Fr Arturo Sosa SJ approved the donation, which was coordinated and arranged by The Beijing Center for Chinese Studies (TBC), the Jesuit education centre and intellectual hub operating in mainland China since 1998.

“The Society of Jesus is a Society of solidarity. This small gesture is a symbol of that wide and deep solidarity,” said Fr José Magadia SJ, General Counsellor and Regional Assistant for Asia Pacific.

Earlier this month, Chinese authorities said there is an urgent need for medical supplies, including surgical N95 masks. These masks offer better protection than regular surgical masks and are designed to prevent 95 per cent of small particles from entering the nose and mouth area.

Though not prominently appearing in international media, Jingzhou city, located about 220 kilometres (137 miles) west of Wuhan, has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The disease has killed more than 2,996 people and infected over 87,728 globally.

With over a thousand infected in Jingzhou city alone, healthcare workers are grappling with certain medical supplies shortages. TBC has been in direct contact with Jingzhou No1 People’s Hospital, confirming the serious need for surgical N95 masks. The centre ensured the delivery of the masks, which arrived from Canada, to the hospital’s healthcare workers.

“TBC is honored to be the facilitator and platform connecting the Jesuits to mainland China. We thank the Society for the generous donation and continued support during this challenging time,” said TBC Executive Dr Simon Koo.

“It is our privilege to support your meaningful mission with our humble donation,” said Chinese Jesuit Provincial Fr Stephen Chow SJ to the healthcare workers. He assured them of the Society’s earnest prayers and told them: “Please stay safe and healthy for your loved ones and your mission.”