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Coronavirus pandemic

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic donates 1 million euros to Serbia to fight pandemic

Novak Djokovic is actively involved in humanitarian and charity endeavors, he helps Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, opens preschools and awards grants

Novak Djokovic AP Photo/Lee Jin-man

Novak Djokovic

© AP Photo/Lee Jin-man

BELGRADE, March 27. /TASS/. Renowned Serb tennis player Novak Djokovic has donated 1 million euros to Serbia to purchase the necessary medical equipment amid the coronavirus pandemic, the athlete told Serbian reporters in a video chat on Friday.

"Primarily, a massive thank you to medical staff who are today fighting for people’s lives across the world and are trying to do everything they can for the infected. The number of cases is rising every day and in light of this Jelena (Djokovic’s wife) and our foundation decided to collect as much information as possible to effectively help the Serbian healthcare system with our resources, funds and knowledge," he said. According to Djokovic, his wife and he transferred one million euros to purchase ventilators and other medical equipment Serbia is now lacking.

Novak Djokovic is actively involved in humanitarian and charity endeavors, he helps Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, opens preschools and awards grants.

Earlier, Ana Ivanovic, former tennis player and world No. 1, donated 35 ventilators to Serbia.

Serbia currently has 457 confirmed coronavirus cases, the death toll rose to seven. Meanwhile, 25 people are in critical condition and have to rely on ventilators, while 15 patients recovered. Most cases are reported from the Serbian capital of Belgrade and the city of Valjevo. Authorities are contemplating isolating Valjevo by deploying army personnel.

Earlier, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced full shut down of borders. A state of emergency and a curfew were introduced in the country for 90 days. General elections were called off, while intercity busses and trains were cancelled.

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Ukrainian army strikes own surrendering soldiers — POW

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Moldovan authorities try to present Gagauz as separatists — official

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North Korea stages first combined tactical drill simulating nuclear counterattack — KCNA

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Russia firmly ready for peace solution in Ukraine — Kremlin spokesman

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Confiscation of Russian assets by the US to affect Europe more — expert

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Republika Srpska president praises Moscow-Banja Luka relations, favors strengthening them

Milorad Dodik also touched upon the topic of sanctions mentioned by Patrushev earlier

Destroyed TV tower in Kharkov carried Ukrainian air defense coordination device — official

Digital TV signal interruptions are now observed in the city

WADA explains difference between Valieva’s case and Chinese swimmers’ violations

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Kremlin vows legal action against US bill on seizing Russian assets

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International meeting of security representatives opening in St. Petersburg

Moreover, discussions within two theme-based roundtables will be held

Russian troops destroy four boats with Ukrainian assault force on Dnieper River

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Russian troops liberate Novomikhailovka community in DPR — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup West repulsed four Ukrainian army counterattacks over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Gagauzian leader on unity of Moldova’s opposition, ability to watch Russian TV channels

Yevgenia Gutsul underlined that Gagauzia plans to start exporting products to Russia in the near future

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Russia ready to offer access to Asian markets to partners in BAM upgrade — Putin

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Rosatom denies reports about flooding of uranium deposit wells in Kurgan region

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Ukraine lost best fighters near Artyomovsk, retired general says

Sergey Krivonos added that relocation of troops from one direction to another will not solve Ukrainian forces’ problems, and that each fighter should be used according to their specialization