President of Ukraine outlines measures to counteract coronavirus

Fellow Ukrainians!

From today, I will inform you as often as possible about the current situation regarding coronavirus countermeasures.

As of March 16, 2020, 79 suspected coronavirus cases have been processed in Ukraine.

Five of them are unfortunately positive. 64 have not been confirmed.

Another 10 are being processed in the laboratory.

As promised, yesterday we brought home 123 Ukrainians who were stuck at the border of Italy and Slovenia. Rapid tests showed that they did not have a coronavirus infection.

However, each of the evacuees pledged to carry out a 14-day self-isolation. It is a worthy example of civic consciousness.

A Government meeting will be held tonight. I urge the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to do the following:

First. From 00 hours 01 minutes on March 17, 2020 ban visitors from cultural, shopping and entertainment centers, restaurants, cafes, fitness centers and other food, entertainment and service institutions.

Restaurants and cafes will be able to continue cooking food, which citizens can order home.

Second. The Ministry of Infrastructure must prohibit railway, air and bus intercity and interregional passenger transportation, as well as the work of metro starting from 12 pm, March 18, 2020.

Urban transportation can be carried out in the following mode: up to 10 people - in minibuses and taxis and up to 20 people - in trolleybuses, buses, tram cars.

Third. The Ministry of Finance must negotiate with the IMF and other international partners on financial support to counteract the consequences of coronavirus.

Fourth. In the near future, we expect the NBU, the Ministry of Finance, state and commercial banks to elaborate a program of loan repayment holidays for small and medium enterprises, as well as a concept of tax changes.

In addition, citizens who receive a pension of less than 5,000 hryvnias will receive a supplement of 1,000 hryvnias.

Fifth. An emergency situation regime must be introduced in the regions where the cases of coronavirus were confirmed, namely the Chernivtsi and Zhytomyr regions, starting from March 17, 2020.

Sixth. The Ministry of Healthcare must temporarily prohibit planned activities and planned operations. Take urgent measures only.

Prepare and repurpose medical institutions as much as possible for the admission and treatment of infected patients in grave condition.

Develop a mechanism for the delivery of pharmaceuticals for the elderly by Ukrposhta employees.

Seventh. Prohibit mass events involving more than 10 people, including rituals and ceremonies.

I urge leaders of all churches to understand this situation when there is a threat to human health and life.

Eighth. Restrict food exports - by government-designated list.

Ninth. Ministries, heads of regional state administration, local self-government, heads of enterprises must ensure uninterrupted operation of grocery stores, home improvement stores, gas stations, pharmacies, banking institutions, insurance companies.

As well as all enterprises of critical infrastructure of state and municipal property and freight transport.

Work in the normal mode should be continued without exception by all public authorities, healthcare institutions and law enforcement agencies.

The work of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is especially important now.

In my opinion, changing the work plan of the Verkhovna Rada is unacceptable.

Now, in the situation of the global pandemic and the threat of the global financial crisis, the Parliament of Ukraine must pass vital laws for the economy, implement tax, land, labor reforms, appoint Ministers of Economy and Energy, Prosecutor General of Ukraine.

Rapid reforms are a rapid aid for the economy.

Without them there will be an economic coma. And that's not the question. That is the answer.

At such times, all MPs should realize responsibility.

At such times, you are not blocking the rostrum - you are blocking the life of Ukraine.

I strongly recommend that all people stay home, except for the need to buy food or pharmaceuticals. This is especially related to citizens over the age of 60 who are at risk.

Fellow Ukrainians!

China's experience shows that unpopular and tough decision overcome the virus and save lives.

The experience of other countries shows that softness and liberality are allies of coronavirus.

Therefore, we will act in a tough, urgent, perhaps unpopular manner, but for the sake of one thing - life and health of Ukrainians.

36.6 to you, dear Ukrainians!

Take care of ourselves - save Ukraine.

The address was published on the website of the President of Ukraine.