The Governor reported that to date there were 104 cases of the coronavirus infection, two deaths, seven severe cases and one person is on a lung ventilator.
In line with the President’s instructions, by April 15, 485 beds have been prepared, including 340 with oxygen, or 100 percent of the norm. There are 170 ventilators, which also accounted for 100 percent of the norm; and a total of 948 beds will be prepared by April 28.
Vladimir Putin noted that these items were completed well overall and that this effort must be continued at the same pace. He also stressed that there should be hope that not all the equipment would be needed, but it must be available.
Oleg Kozhemyako thanked the President for allocating about one billion rubles for preparing beds and purchasing personal protective equipment. He also spoke about support measures for the medical personnel who are addressing the most important tasks of treating patients with the coronavirus as well as support for the population, in particular, the low-income citizens. Support is also to be provided for entrepreneurs.
The Governor noted that Primorye Territory was a transit region with a large flow of people, including from China. But this movement was stopped early. There are currently 366 Chinese people in self-isolation and in quarantine in the region. Contact is maintained with the consulate general and the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Mr Kozhemyako asked the President to support the region’s proposal to build an inpatient infection hospital with 400 beds by 2022, because Primorye Territory serves as a gateway to the Asian-Pacific countries and large migration flows. In addition, many foreign workers are employed in the implementation of the largest investment projects. The hospital could become a strong shield against the spread of infections in the Far East, among other regions.
Industry, which employs almost 500,000 people, was also discussed. All quarantine control measures have been taken at enterprises. The Governor also stressed that industry in the region needed opportunities for further development, in particular, related to transport; specifically, new bridges are needed.
During the conversation, Vladimir Putin called Minister of Transport Yevgeny Ditrikh by telephone and instructed him to contact the Governor of Primorye Territory and discuss these issues.
The development of tourism was also discussed. Mr Kozhemyako spoke about strong interest on the part of South Korea and Japan. The Governor also suggested that more Russians would like to visit Primorye Territory, but that conditions must be created for this.
Vladimir Putin noted that support was envisaged in this area and suggested the Governor discuss all of these issues with the Government and report back on the results.