Counteracting coronavirus is everyone’s responsibility

Olena Moshenets, people’s deputy and Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Anti-Corruption Policy, believes that in Ukraine the main guarantee of successful overcoming of COVID-19 is a responsible attitude to the problem of the state, business and every Ukrainian.

Currently, Ukrainian authorities are doing everything possible to prevent escalation of the disease at an exponential rate. In particular quarantine has been introduced until April 24, 2020, the COVID-19 treatment protocol has been approved, and two large sets of ‘anti-crisis’ bills on rescuing the economy and providing necessary resources to the country for the battle against coronavirus pandemic have been adopted.

The documents envisage provision of the population and medical workers with the necessary anti-epidemic products, support for the disadvantaged population, protection of entrepreneurs and workers during the quarantine period, prevention of speculation and uncontrolled price increases.

The authorities are taking all necessary measures to continue cooperation with the International Monetary Fund.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is preparing amendments to the State Budget. The Government plans the following in order to protect pensioners and socially vulnerable groups:

– From April 1 monthly payments of up to UAH 500 for pensioners over 80 years of age and whose pensions do not exceed UAH 9,205.

– One-time assistance of UAH 1,000 for pensioners whose pensions do not exceed UAH 5,000, as well as for some vulnerable categories of people.

– From May pensions will be increased by 11%.

Preparations for negotiations with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development on allocation of $150 million are underway. These facilities will be directed to the special fund of the state budget and will be used to raise social benefits.

“And this is not the exhaustive list of measures taken by the state to protect socially vulnerable citizens of Ukraine,” Olena Moshenets said. “I hope that big Ukrainian business will actively support the state initiative to protect the people and show its true social responsibility to the public.”

According to surveys conducted by the Rating Group at the end of March 2020, 58% of the polled Ukrainians consider the measures taken by the authorities against coronavirus to be optimal.