“A New Anti-Record Is Possible This Week”: Chicu on the Second Wave of Coronavirus Pandemic

500-600 new cases of coronavirus infection per day are expected in Moldova this week. Prime Minister Ion Chicu said on June 15 after a joint weekly meeting with the president and speaker that the country is witnessing the second wave of the COVID-19 epidemic. “We note with concern that Moldova is going through the second wave of the coronavirus epidemic. The world witnessed an absolute anti-record of new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Unfortunately, an anti-record was also registered in our country last week,” said Chicu. According to him, this is due to the fact that in many countries, including Moldova, restrictions on many types of economic activity have been lifted. “Unfortunately, Moldova and other countries will almost certainly have anti-records of new coronavirus cases this week. Experts predict even 500-600 new infections per day. We expect this situation and are ready to deal with it,” Chicu said, noting that about 2,000 more beds for coronavirus patients will be prepared in hospitals this week. According to Chicu, it is impossible to re-establish the bans imposed in mid-March, when a state of emergency was declared. “We have no reserves, no resources. And if we stop the economy, we will have another crisis, when we won’t be able to pay salaries and pensions, and people will have nothing to live on,” Chicu said. Therefore, all companies, enterprises and residents of the country must comply with measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Chicu warned that markets, shopping malls, restaurants and cafes should comply with all the specified safety measures. Otherwise, according to Chicu, they will be fined or even closed. Chicu has denied claims that Moldova ranks first in the world in terms of mortality from coronavirus. He noted that mortality from COVID-19 in the country is still 3.6%, while in the world this rate is 6.5%. Recall that in Moldova, on June 11, 406 people were diagnosed with coronavirus and on June 12 - 366 people.