Vladimir Putin held a regular meeting with cabinet members to discuss, first of all, countering the coronavirus infection, presidential website reports.
“Viruses have never observed state borders. Today, the situation is different because of the frequent travel in the world,” he said. “Thanks to the prompt measures taken proactively both at the regional and federal levels, already in the first weeks of the epidemic, we managed to contain the massive penetration and spread of the infection in Russia. Now, despite the potentially high level of risk, the situation is generally under control.”
“We need to take preventive and quarantine measures. We must stock up on medications, equipment and technical devices. We must also think about stocking up on personal protective equipment and antiseptics. And of course, medical facilities must have enough capacity to meet the challenge,” he noted. “As for test systems for prompt diagnostics of the coronavirus and a vaccine to prevent it, our leading laboratories are working hard on this. Russia has all the necessary competences in this area and solid science for achieving these objectives in the near future. Previous experience shows that our specialists are able to resolve such major tasks.”
According to the President, “The Russian Direct Investment Fund will finance joint developments with Japanese partners with a view to launching the production of express tests already in April. Eventually, this will be the world’s first portable express test.”
As he pointed out, “The epidemic has already had a profound effect on the global economy. We need to take precise steps to maintain economic stability and sustainability of Russian companies and industries. This primarily applies to transport, logistics and secure supplies of food products and basic necessities.”