English Version: Intensive Care Beds and European Solidarity: if Not Now, When?
Despite the immense efforts displayed by nurses, doctors and health workers, Italy will shortly no longer be able to offer a place in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to patients with Covid-19.
Within weeks, many other European countries might be in the same situation. The only – large – European country that has a considerable number of ICU beds is Germany (based on the scant evidence available, Germany has ca. 25,000 ICU beds, five times more than Italy). Luckily, Germany is still very far from being in an emergency.
We all sincerely hope that Germany and the other European countries will manage to stop the epidemic before their health system will be in the same situation as the Italian one. At the moment, there is no doubt that Italy is the only country facing extreme difficulties and Germany the only country able to offer concrete help.
Today is no longer the time for rhetorical words on ‘European solidarity’ nor for a discussion on principles. Today is the time to act. Acting now is the only thing that matters.
We hope, President von der Leyden and Chancellor Merkel, that you share our view and you will act now.