Deputy Chief of Mission Nicholas J. Giacobbe’s Remarks at the Official Handover of the USAID-funded Thermo-Scanners, August 26, 2020
Good morning, Minister Zemaj, United Nations Development Coordinator Ulrika Richardson, Pristina International Airport representative, and other representatives.
On behalf of the United States of America, I am honored to handover temperature scanners to the Government of Kosovo for placement at Kosovo’s port of entries, including where we are standing today, Pristina’s international airport. These scanners will assist Kosovo in preventing the further spread of COVID-19.
Fighting a global pandemic takes all of us, and the enduring friendship of our two countries is most evident in times of crisis.
As part of our effort, we have provided $1.6 million in assistance from the American people through USAID to bolster Kosovo’s capacities for fighting the virus. Today’s donation of temperature scanners is part of that support.
The placement of these temperature scanners at eight points of entry, including Pristina International Airport, will allow for the adequate screening of incoming passengers—contributing to prevention efforts to stop further transmission within Kosovo.
Prevention is still the best medicine in our fight against the global pandemic. Which is why our support to Kosovo has included hygiene supplies for medical centers and families in need, as well as testing equipment for laboratories.
Yesterday, Ambassador Kosnett and USAID Director Lisa Magno handed over 50 ventilators. Other equipment, such as RT-PCR machines, are imminently arriving to help increase Kosovo’s COVID-19 testing capacities.
However, these material donations are not a replacement for everyone continuing to do their part. The government must continue making the necessary, difficult decisions in order to better manage COVID-19. Collaboration and joint efforts across the various institutions are never more critical than the current moment. Each and every citizen must respect the measures that will stop the spread. That includes properly wearing a mask, socially distancing, and washing your hands frequently.
We are in this together. We want schools to reopen, businesses to operate and flourish, and most importantly, to be able to see family and friends without any fear or concern. All these are possible if we all do our part. In the words of U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson, “Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.”
Thank you.
