Shavkat Mirziyoyev: On behalf of the people of Uzbekistan, I express immense gratitude to the doctors

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a video conference devoted to strengthening precautions to impede the spread of coronavirus infection. Having addressed the people of Uzbekistan, Mirziyoyev stated that all measures are being taken to mitigate economic and social impact of the spread of the infection. He mentioned the formation of the Republican Commission, headed by the Prime Minister, and the establishment of the 10 trillion som Anti-Crisis Fund. 

The president also touched on the current regulations regarding the wearing of masks in public spaces, closure of nonessential shops and markets as well as the transition of various institutions and businesses to remote activities. He mentioned the efforts underway to bring citizens abroad home and the preventive measures to ensure they do not spread infection in the country. 

The work of doctors and health care professionals was highlighted and the president expressed immense gratitude to these people putting their lives on the line. During the quarantine period, doctors and epidemiologists who are in close contact with coronavirus patients will receive incentive payments worth over $2600 every two weeks.

Nurses and laboratory assistants will receive 15 million soums. 10 million soums to other health workers, and others 5 million soums to other employees. In addition, medical workers who become infected with coronavirus while working with infected people will be paid separately 100 million soums.

The president also gave a word of warning to those who think themselves immune to infection stating that carelessness is tantamount to treason and wishes that the number of infected people does not reach 100.  And regardless of all the measures being taken by the government and medical professionals, if citizens do act responsibly then the infection will not be stopped. A law has been put into place stating that any, person who has endangered the health and lives of others while under quarantine can now be imprisoned for up to 10 years. And it is being strictly enforced.