Yesterday's press conference by the government, from which everyone expected new resolutions or, at least, proposals to exit the self-isolation regime, unfortunately, did not live up to expectations. The Cabinet of Ministers did not dare to take any specific measures. The "Intelligent Lockdown" has been extended until May 20. And this means that visits to nursing homes are still prohibited, you also cannot gather more than 3 people and approach each other closer than 1,5 meters. And of course, you must continue to wash your hands thoroughly.
The only news was reports that primary schools would reopen from May 11, and that minor children would be allowed to play sports together. At the same time, the stay of children at school will be reduced by almost half. The number of children in groups will also be reduced by 50%. Kindergartens and after-school schools for children of this age will also return to work. So that parents can finally breathe easy. But they will not be able to come to support their children during sports activities. However, this is not so difficult, since competitions are still prohibited.
Against the background of the seemingly "warming" forecasts and an improvement in morbidity rates, entrepreneurs also expected more drastic measures from the government. Industry unions, on the eve of the press conference, responded to the proposal of the Cabinet of Ministers to prepare recommendations (protocols) that will help businessmen to return to work in compliance with all the requirements of the "one and a half meter" economy, and have already sent the first proposals to the Cabinet of Ministers and RIVM for consideration. Now entrepreneurs are perplexed: why were these protocols needed if the self-isolation regime was extended?
Cinemas, amusement parks, theaters and concert halls were willing to limit opening hours and reduce the number of tickets sold to reduce visitor numbers. Walking and seating guidelines were ready to provide the recommended distance. Fitness centers have developed 1,5-meter training zones to ensure safe visitor access. Universities have gone even further: they have developed special video cameras that allow you to anonymously count the number of people in classrooms and measure the distance between them. These cameras are even capable of sending a signal to the teacher if the desired distance is not maintained.
Small and medium-sized businesses also counted on a gradual return to normal life. Not everyone found it easy to organize their business according to the new rules, but many entrepreneurs approached the solution of this situation very creatively. For example, hairdressers zoned salons, placed chairs at a distance of 2 meters from each other, ordered masks and gloves for masters, disinfectants for clients. Resourceful real estate agents have switched to online service and instead of inviting 10-15 potential buyers to their home, they are arranging online property searches via Facebook Live. Clothing stores also did not stand aside: they re-equip the premises, introduce "shopping by appointment".
It is clear that after all the work done, they were seriously disappointed, which resulted in an immediate drop in the government's rating. It fell to -22 points this morning.
Curiously, in response to the provocative question of when companies will be able to open doors to customers again, the Prime Minister clarified that they have closed only certain sectors, while the rest can allegedly work. It seems that the government is pushing businesses to make their own decisions. And apparently the business will make a decision at its own peril and risk.
Publication Date: 22.04.2020
