The discussion started with measures on countering the spread of the coronavirus in the region.
The Governor reported that 243 cases of the coronavirus infection have been recorded in the region as of April 22. Sixty people have recovered and have been released from hospital. There are 183 patients in infection wards. Ten of them are in a critical condition, including four that have been put on ventilators; 30 cases are moderately severe, and most patients are in a satisfactory condition. Regrettably, there have been two deaths.
As per the President’s instruction, bed capacity is being increased. According to a target plan, an additional 2,897 infectious disease beds should be made available in the Sverdlovsk Region by April 28. Currently there are 2,187 beds. The plan will be fulfilled on time.
Mr Kuyvashev also quoted figures on ventilator availability. He said the region has three plants manufacturing ventilators that are suplied to all Russian regions. In May ventilator production will be increased several-fold. The Ural Instrument Engineering Plant alone will manufacture 3,000 ventilators and increase their production tenfold. Other plants producing medical equipment will increase ventilator production as well.
The Governor also described other measures on countering the spread of the infection, and steps taken to stabilise the economy, support businesses and help the most vulnerable categories of the population.
He addressed the President with two requests: to include housing and utilities on the list of domestic sectors that were hit hardest by the spread of the novel coronavirus infection and to support the construction industry.
Vladimir Putin said that an expanded meeting on support for housing and utilities sector and resource providers will be held soon. He added that the construction industry has already been discussed but it will always be in the focus of attention.
The President had a telephone conversation with Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin and discussed with him the construction of a ring road around Yekaterinburg, also instructing Mr Khusnullin to discuss support for the construction industry in the region with the Governor and submit the proposals agreed upon.