A medical team from China was sent to Italy this week in an effort to assist the European country in its fight against the COVID-19 outbreak.

Italy, the worst-hit country in Europe, has reported that about 12,500 people had tested positive for the coronavirus and more than 825 people had died since the disease first emerged in the country's northern region last month.

Italy asked the EU for medical equipment but reportedly didn't get any help.

China responded. Doctors from Tongji Hospital in Wuhan province spoke with their counterparts from Italy on a conference call.

China also donated medical supplies to Italy to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.