President of Ukraine

Quarantine is temporary, but extremely important - President

17 April 2020 - 14:05

Quarantine is temporary, but extremely important - President

The COVID-19 mortality rate in Ukraine is 2.7% of the number of infected. This is a much lower figure than the world average. It was stated by Minister of Health Maksym Stepanov at a traditional meeting chaired by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on combating coronavirus.

At the same time, Ukraine has not yet reached the peak of incidence, and one has to be careful about Easter and May holidays.

“Yes, everyone loves spring picnics, everyone wants to roast traditional shashlik. We need to understand people with these desires. But it should be reported that quarantine is temporary, but extremely important. That a picnic or shashlik today can cost someone's life. Communication and explanation is extremely important at such a difficult time,” the President said.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reported that more than 90% of pharmacy chains and stores in Ukraine are provided with protection means.

And the hospitals' inspection commissions in the regions have shown that despite good statistics from local authorities, doctors are having many problems. In particular, it goes about the delivery of some medicines, as well as the solution of transport issues and nutrition of doctors. Especially those who stay overnight in medical institutions because of the epidemic.

The government reported that money for these services has been allocated. Local authorities bear responsibility for providing these services.

“If the authorities in the regions do not know how, then it is necessary to tell and explain. If there is money, then it is necessary to ensure their most efficient use,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The parties also noted that in case of lack of money for certain services in the regions, it would be allocated from the Stabilization Fund created specifically to overcome the COVID-19 epidemic. It will start working as soon as the law on budget amendments enters into force.

In addition, the President was informed that the Great Construction project is continued. During the quarantine, social infrastructure will be built. For this purpose, a separate instruction agreed with the Ministry of Health was created for construction workers.

“It is great that we can create conditions for this sphere to work. These are jobs, taxes, and ultimately, the restoration of our long-suffering infrastructure,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.