The sanitary-epidemiological and economic situation in the region were discussed.
Governor Nikitin reported that 1,007 beds had been designated and prepared, which is over double the norm for the region. Medical workers have been prepared for work in the special conditions. Today’s test rate is 118 tests per 100,000 people.
A manufacturer of personal protection gear for medical workers has been set up in Tambov Region. Reusable masks are being produced by 17 companies and protective overalls for medical workers are made by nine companies.
As of June 2, 3,110 people have been infected with the coronavirus since the start of the epidemic. Over 1,500 people have already recovered. The infection has been spreading at a rate of less than 0.89–0.9 for the past ten days. The situation has been stabilised.
Currently, the fatality rate is 0.33. This is the second lowest in the Central Federal District and the eighth lowest in Russia.
The discussion also covered incentive payments for medical personnel and social workers, and support for families with many children. A package of economic measures to support businesses has been adopted.
Governor Nikitin reported that the sowing campaign was completed ahead of schedule and that cropland area had been increased. In the past five years, the region has increased the production of meat of all types 1.6 times. Food processing has been increasing by 17 percent a year. Last year, investment in fixed assets amounted to 121 billion roubles and salaries grew by 7 percent.
Governor Nikitin asked the President for support in the construction of new buildings for a tuberculosis treatment centre and a railway flyover at an unregulated railway crossing in the city of Michurinsk. He also requested the inclusion of the Sergei Rachmaninov Memorial Open-Air Museum in Ivanovka on the list of museums of federal significance as part of preparations for the great composer’s 150th birth anniversary.
The President promised to give appropriate instructions to the Government.
Vladimir Putin pointed to several weak spots in the region’s economy, including to the lower figures for investment in basic capital and lower construction rates compared to the national average, and he emphasised the importance of fiscal discipline.
On the positive side, the President noted the growth of the gross regional product as well as industrial and agricultural production and low unemployment. He also noted that the region had generally positive dynamics in socioeconomic development.
Alexander Nikitin recalled how the President instructed him, as the head of the region, exactly five years ago. He said he intended to take part in the upcoming election for Tambov Region Governor in order to continue socioeconomic reforms and resolve the remaining problems. In this context, he asked for Presidential support.
Vladimir Putin emphasised that he believed that the positive trends in the socioeconomic development of the region were giving Governor Nikitin every right to hope for re-election. However, he will have to prove this to the residents of Tambov Region and persuade them that all of his steps are correct, well-considered and effective. They will make their choice during the vote in September. The President wished success to Governor Nikitin.