The United Nations along with the US Mission to the UN has donated 250,000 protective face masks to the medical professionals in New York City.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio took possession of the masks near the UN Headquarters on Saturday.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the face masks, kept in United Nations stores in New York, are in surplus to the UN requirements and "will be given to the medical professionals in New York City who have been working courageously, selflessly and tirelessly in response to the spread of COVID-19 across the boroughs in the hope that they play some small role in saving lives".
He said, "We speak with one voice to express our resolute support for this great city and its proud people. To us, New York is not just our home or the headquarters of the United Nations. It is a vibrant international capital through which the world communicates, debates, trades and prospers."