WINDHOEK -- The Namibian government on Oct 21 received 10,000 face masks from the Chinese embassy to help the country's customs and border officials ward off the spread of COVID-19.

"This is one of the many donations the Chinese people and different Chinese companies have contributed to Namibia," said Yang Jun, political counselor at the Chinese mission.

China, which has managed to control the virus, is firmly committed to working with other countries to combat COVID-19, said Yang, who handed over the consignment to Namibian Ministry of Finance officials.

Francois Brandt, deputy executive director at the Namibian Ministry of Finance, thanked China for the donation.

"These masks will be distributed to our customs officials at the borders as well as countrywide," he said. "The donation comes at a very opportune time and will assist us significantly."