United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has announced the donation of 2.5 lakh protective face masks to the United States for use in hard-hit New York City.

The UN chief said the United Nations and the US Mission to the UN are working with Mayor Bill de Blasio’s office to ensure swift delivery of the masks to medical facilities around the city.

Mr Guterres said that on behalf of the UN community and the diplomatic corps, we sincerely hope this modest donation makes a difference.