Opening a video conference today, on July 8, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev expounded on the efforts in progress in our country to combat the coronavirus infection.

Here is what the head of our state noted in particular:

We are all witnessing that the pandemic, unfortunately, has been going on. The second wave of the disease, starting in several countries of the world, is causing serious concern.

The current situation shows that any “magic recipes” to counter this infection have yet to be developed.

The international community, major research centers around the world, celebrated scientists are working hard to find a cure. And we hope the studies will soon yield fruit.

At present, the number of infected people in our country has reached 10,982, while 6,890 have recovered.

The professionalism and courage of medical and sanitary-epidemiological personnel, the dedication of law enforcement officers, as well as strict discipline during the lockdown period make it possible to uphold a relatively stable epidemiological situation in Uzbekistan. Yet this should hardly be a reason for carelessness, a frivolous attitude to this issue.

In the first week of July, the number of people infected with coronavirus increased by 2,167. Of these, 1,267 (58 percent) cases were identified among the population.

This is the highest rate since we introduced shutdown. Regrettably, the number of deaths is increasing. This should be of serious concern to all of us.

From the very day the virus was discovered in our country we have been asserting that this will prove a rather tricky test and a thorny struggle.

Much in this effort depends on ourselves, on our consciousness, patience and perseverance, our determination to act firmly and cohesively, with iron discipline.

But, unhappy as it is, many have been failing to fully comply with these requirements.

In particular, the number of cases of non-use or improper use of medical masks, violation of sanitary and hygienic rules, handshake, non-observance of social distance, and family ceremonial events has been increasing unnecessarily every day.

The principle of dubbing areas “green”, “yellow” and “red” zones does not work fully.

To change the situation, we must first of all bolster public control.

Given the current situation, the Republican Special Commission, together with hokims of regions, towns, districts and sector leaders, must take tough measures to contain the pandemic.

With appropriate field visits, responsible executives should introduce monitoring strict compliance with established restrictions and the implementation of quarantine requirements by the population in each area assigned to them.

To be sure, we will take appropriate measures to return those citizens who, for certain reasons, remain in neighboring nations.

I turn to our compatriots once again: one should not neglect a treacherous disease that claimed the lives of many thousands of people around the world.

If you detect even the slightest sign of illness, consult a doctor immediately.

Do not self-medicate at home. This can have serious consequences and result in death.

Do not be careless and indifferent to yourself and your family members!

Since the health and life of our people, our families and children is our main wealth, no one has the right to be indifferent to this critical problem and violate the lockdown rules.

Nobody, first of all, the executives and responsible officials should forget about it.

In the current difficult situation, we are all forced to live by the motto “We must safeguard our health, our child, our family!”

In the meantime, we need to learn how to live and work amid pandemic in order to normalize life, restore the economy, and with iron discipline continue the work begun on this front, taking all precautions.

Source: Official website of the President of Uzbekistan