EU ministers urge members to share anti-virus gear

Smaller EU member states hit out on Friday after Germany, France and the Czech Republic blocked the export of some medical supplies that could help slow the novel coronavirus outbreak.

EU health ministers are meeting to plan a coordinated response to the epidemic, but Germany has banned exports of face masks and gloves and France has requisitioned all its own stocks.

Some EU members -- notably Italy, where at least 148 people have died -- have been hit harder than others and some ministers think precious resources should be shared.

"I think that in fact we should show our solidarity, for example in the distribution of protective resources," said Belgian health minister Maggie de Block.

"There are two countries that block all exports ... and that's not in the spirit of the EU."
"I understand that some countries are now taking national measures to safeguard their own stocks. I believe that such measures are not a solution to the scarcity that is currently affecting the whole of Europe."
"Once the outbreak develops inside a country, measures at the border won't help."