Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma to donate 500,000 coronavirus test kits to US

Jack Ma, co-founder of e-commerce giant Alibaba, plans to donate 500,000 test kits and 1 million face masks to the US amid the coronavirus outbreak. In statement shared on Twitter Friday, the Chinese billionaire said the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation have the test kits and face masks “sourced and readied for shipment.”

“Drawing from my own country’s experience, speedy and accurate testing and adequate personal protective equipment for medical professionals are the most effective in preventing the spread of the virus,” Ma said in the statement. “We can’t beat this virus unless we eliminate boundaries to resources and share our know-how and hard-earned lessons.”

The Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Group didn’t immediately respond to requests for more information. 

As of Thursday, there were more than 1,200 cases of coronavirus reported in the US and 36 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over 13,000 people have reportedly been tested for the virus in the United States. During a congressional hearing Thursday, the CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield said all Americans will have access to free testing for the coronavirus. 

Coronavirus deaths worldwide have topped 5,000, with more than 136,000 cases confirmed. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared the virus a global pandemic.

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