The progress comes as the World Health Organisation warned the virus would “not disappear”, urging people and governments to remain vigilant and maintain hygiene and social distancing practices.

China’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Dr. Xiao Jianguo, said Friday his country would continue to support its “friend” Timor-Leste fight against COVID-19.

He added that a donation of equipment from China that had just landed would help the county “win the fight against COVID-19 at an early date.”

These included 130,000 face masks, 20,000 medical gloves, 5000 personal protective equipment (PPE), 5010 face shields, as well as more than 5000 testing kits, 39 handy thermometers and 10 ventilators.

“This donation is a vivid illustration of the profound friendship between our two peoples and of China’s honesty to help Timor-Leste,” Dr Jianguo said in a statement.

The donation was facilitated by the Chinese Embassy in Timor-Leste and Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation.