HARARE, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe on Tuesday received a consignment of commodities to help in the fight against COVID-19 from China's Jack Ma, as the country recorded its third case of coronavirus.

The items are part of a donation that was made by co-founder and former executive chairman of Alibaba Group, Jack Ma, to African countries. The donation was made through the African Union.

The consignment includes 20,000 laboratory diagnostic test kits, 100,000 medical face masks and 1,000 protective suits and face shields.

"The ministry (of health) is very grateful to the Jack Ma and Alibaba Foundation for their generosity and contribution to the National COVID-19 response and will ensure equitable distribution of this consignment so that they get to where there is the greatest need," said the ministry of health in a statement.

The ministry said the country on Tuesday recorded its third coronavirus case following the death on Monday of a 30-year-old son of a local business man who had recently returned from the United States.

"As of today (Monday) the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in the country is now three. Today the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory tested a total of 15 specimens, the majority from contacts of the deceased case. One male tested positive for COVID-19, more details to be provided later," the ministry said.

The country has so far closed its borders to all traffic except for returning residents and cargo, as well as banning public gatherings and limiting visits to hospitals and informal markets as part of measures to contain the spread of the virus.