Developing a new package of urgent measures to support the economy and citizens, as well as recommendations for a step-by-step exit from the regime of restrictions associated with the spread of the coronavirus infection.
Mikhail Mishustin’s opening remarks:
Meeting of the Presidium of the Government Coordination Council to control the incidence of novel coronavirus infection in the Russian Federation
At yesterday’s meeting with the regional heads, the President gave clear instructions on further steps to overcome the spread of the coronavirus infection and its consequences.
By 5 May, in collaboration with the State Council working group, we need to develop recommendations for a step-by-step lifting of the restrictions and send them to the regions. As the President emphasised, we need smooth and carefully worked-out actions to avoid a new outbreak of the infection. We need to devise a set of preventive measures and recommendations for each region, depending on the complexity of the situation in a particular area.
In addition, the President instructed us to promptly develop a new package of urgent measures to support the economy and citizens. I ask the Ministry of Economic Development to summarise all the proposals and submit them to the Government by 5 May.
I also ask the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, together with interested federal executive bodies, to develop and submit to the Government by 25 May a national action plan to restore employment, income and economic growth. The plan must ensure the resumption of business life in the country, the revitalisation of the labour market, as well as the return of the economy to a growth path through long-term structural changes.
During yesterday’s videoconference, the President mentioned a number of proposals from the heads of regions in connection with the emerging epidemiological situation. I instruct the Ministry of Healthcare to summarise and consider the initiatives expressed.
It is still impossible to give an exact date when the restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus can be completely lifted. Including those related to crossing the border of the Russian Federation. There is a restriction on entry into our country for foreign nationals until 30 April, inclusive.
I signed a Government directive to extend this period until the fight against the infection is over and the epidemiological situation improves.
For some categories of foreign nationals, entry restrictions will be lifted, including for specialists who service imported equipment. Such a measure will reduce the negative impact of the restrictions on the activities of Russian industrial enterprises, including those that manufacture equipment to fight the coronavirus infection.
Before getting down to the discussion, I would like to draw attention to the importance of supporting zoos, dolphinariums, aquariums and circuses. Many of them, including private ones, are struggling to survive and do not have the funds to keep animals. Therefore, we included such organisations in the corresponding list of affected sectors, which will receive state support at the federal level.
It is also necessary for regions to pay attention to this problem and find an opportunity to support such organisations. In this regard, I ask the Ministry of Culture, together with the regions, to monitor and work out additional measures to support and create conditions for the safe keeping of animals.
