Rustam Minnikhanov holds a meeting on countering the spread of Covid-19
On May 11, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov held a meeting, via videoconference, on countering the spread of Covid-19.
Minnikhanov reminded that on the 6th of May, Russian President Vladimir Putin set the task for the regions to gradually lift the restriction measures and revive the economy. In this regard, the Government of the republic made amendments to the decree "On measures to prevent the spread of a new coronavirus infection in Tatarstan."
Deputy Prime Minister of the republic Leyla Fazleeva told the meeting in more details about the new rules. In particular, starting from the 12th of May residents of the republic do not need to receive a digital SMS pass and have a work reference to go out. Non-food shops with an area of up to 400 square meters and a separate external (street) entrance as well as automotive dealerships are allowed to operate. Pharmacies and gas stations can work around the clock. While in stores and public transport, citizens need to wear masks and gloves. A full list of new rules is available in the text of the decision.
Minnikhanov said that, despite the removal of a number of restrictions, the high-alert regime is not canceled in the republic. “We are introducing new initiatives to make the economy work. This is a fairly revolutionary measure under the current conditions,” he stressed.
Tatarstan President drew attention to the fact that most residents are observing the necessary sanitary and epidemiological requirements: they wash their hands often, use personal protective equipment, and maintain a social distance. “We will continue to closely monitor the situation. And I do not want to introduce strict restrictive measures again. It is worth noting that not all regions are ready to remove restrictions. There are regions that, on the contrary, are stepping them up,” he emphasized.
Minnikhanov noted that the removal of a number of restrictions is intended to restore the economy, to enable the business community to resume their work. “I appeal to heads of the municipalities. Keeping maintaining security in the territories entrusted to you, it is necessary to ensure the normal operation of all our enterprises. An enterprise cannot stand idle for a month and a half, especially a small one,” Tatarstan President said. He noted that more than 90 per cent of Tatarstan enterprises are already operating.
Minnikhanov also added that if the coronavirus situation does not worsen, then the leadership of the republic will gradually remove other restrictions.
Chairman of Tatarstan State Council Farid Mukhametshin and Prime Minister of Tatarstan Aleksey Pesoshin took part in the meeting.