On March 18, the President of Uzbekistan, at a video-conference meeting devoted to the mahalla and family affairs, touched upon the problem of the spread of coronavirus in the country.

It should be recalled that at present the number of infected persons in the republic has reached 15.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev, emphasizing that the situation is under full control, turned to the people of Uzbekistan.

The presidential press service has published the full text of his address.

“Our people, having gone through many hardships, correctly understand the situation and approaches the issue consciously. Religious leaders in their prayers ask for peace and tranquility in our country, they ask for the recovery of sick people. All of us, regardless of nationality, language and beliefs, are confident that these difficulties will be defeated.

To do this, we must, first of all, follow the recommendations of doctors, strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene and sanitation at home, in the family circle, as well as at work. The most effective measure to prevent the disease is to address specialists in time, instead of hiding it.

Secondly, measures are being taken to prevent the increase in prices for food and other consumer goods. The State Tax Service, the department under the Prosecutor General’s Office should intensify the work in this direction.

In our country, there are sufficient reserves, there is no reason for panic. We must confront the problem together.

I hope that all state and non-governmental organizations, our esteemed representatives of the older generation, mahalla activists, women’s and youth organizations will intensify the work on objective and widespread explanation through the mass media.

Thirdly, in order for our children to be able to continue their studies during the forced holidays, a broadcast of TV lessons has been arranged together with the National Television and Radio Company of Uzbekistan.

TV and radio channels for meaningful leisure of youth should increase the number of programs dedicated to the history and culture of our country, films useful and interesting for the younger generation.

Parents should familiarize children with the best examples of world and national literature.

I want to draw your attention to another important issue. In the current situation, some irresponsible persons will try to spread various rumors and fictitious information.

In this regard, I ask our people not to panic or raise an alarm. We must prevent the dissemination of inaccurate, unfounded information in the press and social networks. Law enforcement bodies should take this issue under special control.

Dear compatriots!

The coronavirus pandemic, as in all countries of the world, will naturally adversely affect our economy.

Due to a sharp drop in the world oil prices over the past two weeks (from $60 to almost $30 per barrel), our gas export revenues may decrease.

The devaluation of the national currencies of our main foreign trading partners will reduce foreign exchange earnings in our republic.

The number of foreign tourists and revenues from their services may decrease. All this, of course, will affect the GDP and export volume.

On my instructions, the special working group takes measures to provide tax holidays in such areas as tourism, transport, pharmaceuticals and light industry, extend loan repayment terms, and introduce a procedure for not applying fines for overdue external debt.

All our people can be sure that we are combating the coronavirus based on the principles of transparency.

We inform the world community and our people in a timely manner. We will further strengthen the necessary measures.

I want to draw the attention of those responsible to another important issue.

In recent years, we attach great importance to sanitation and epidemiology. However, the material-technical base of most of these institutions, especially their laboratories and medical equipment, is in poor condition due to the lack of proper attention over the past 25 years.

Therefore, a draft document is currently being prepared on radical reform and improving the effectiveness of the country’s sanitary and epidemiological service.

The activities of this service will be focused on ensuring medical and sanitary wellbeing, public health, the organization of disease prevention and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

To this end, regional khokims should personally study the sanitary and epidemiological institutions at places, the problems associated with the supply of laboratory diagnostic equipment, medical facilities and equipment, staff potential and wages.

It is necessary to develop and ensure the implementation of programs to eliminate these problems and create reserves before the end of the year,” the President said.