Moldova cannot afford economic lockdown, interim prime minister says

Chisinau, 20 January /MOLDPRES/- Acting prime minister Aureliu Ciocoi chaired today the first meeting of the government in office. In he beginning of the meeting, the acting Prime Minister assured that the cabinet will do everything possible to ensure the continuation of public policies, the government's communication and protocol department has reported,

"This Government will do everything possible, in the current conditions, not at all easy, including from a political point of view, to continue things in the riverbed of normality and in strict accordance with the legal framework, to keep the situation under control until the formation of the new Executive. Obviously, an interim government cannot work miracles, but it can provide the necessary assurance that things will not deteriorate in the face of the crises we face. I urge you to avoid politics as much as possible and to focus exclusively on professionalism. Let us be worthy and do our job correctly, sincerely and openly, until the investment of a new Government," he said.

He asked current data on the epidemiological situation in the health system and education system.

Secretary of State of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection Tatiana Zatic said that by January 19, 2021, a total of 153,506 cases of Covid-19 infection had been registered. Currently, there are 6064 active cases. At the same time, in the last weeks (14.12.2020-17.01.2021) there is a decrease in new confirmed cases. 

Currently, the Republic of Moldova has sufficient laboratory tests, having in stock 140 thousand tests and MSMPS is in the process of purchasing another 300 thousand rapid tests.

Minister of Education, Culture and Research Liliana Pogolșa said that the epidemiological situation is monitored daily in educational institutions. Thus, there is a decrease in the number of Covid-19 cases among students, including a decrease in the number of students in self-isolation. Between January 11-15, 2021, five students, 11 teachers and five auxiliary staff, in self-isolation - 5 students and one teacher were positively confirmed.

"Even if there is a significant decrease in cases, this should not relax us. We know how treacherous this virus is, so we do not rule out a possible increase in the number of cases of infections. Therefore, I ask all citizens of Moldova, medical institutions, educational institutions, private or public structures to continue to respect the protection measures not to allow a new wave of infections. The Republic of Moldova cannot afford an economic lockdown, therefore we are obliged to protect ourselves and respect the epidemiological measures in order not to allow this virus to reach significant numbers of infections ", the interim prime minister said.

photo: Government