British Red Cross says the world is suffering a collective, colossal loss as official COVID-19 death toll set to hit one million

Alexander Matheou, Executive Director of International at the British Red Cross, said:

“The world is suffering a collective and colossal loss. No one has escaped the devastating effects of this global pandemic. Many have lost loved ones or know someone who has. Many more have lost jobs, struggled to pay the bills or been unable to buy enough food. Everyone has lost a piece of ‘life as we knew it’.

“From the UK, to Yemen, to the refugee camps of Bangladesh, this virus has not discriminated. But if we have gained anything from this virus, it is the certainty that we are more connected than we ever imagined. We must continue to have the hope that, if we all pull together, we can turn the tide of the pandemic, support the most vulnerable through this crisis and learn lessons about how we can better protect each other and our environment in the future.  

“The safety of each individual is critical for the safety of the entire world and sadly, we know all too well that the least protected will be the most affected. We must continue to stand together to ensure that no one is left behind.”

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The British Red Cross is part of the largest humanitarian network: the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. Volunteers and staff have been working in communities long before this pandemic hit and remain committed to supporting people through these difficult times. From providing emergency cash grants in the UK, to setting up a COVID-19 hospital in Yemen, to sending out thousands of volunteers into the largest refugee camp in the world in Cox’s Bazar, Red Cross Red Crescent teams are helping to save lives and keep people safe and will continue to be there for as long as they’re needed.

To support the global COVID-19 response, you can donate to the British Red Cross Global Coronavirus Appeal.