17 Mar 2020 17:27

Russian govt trying to minimize coronavirus effects for economy - Mishustin

MOSCOW. March 17 (Interfax) - The Russian government is trying to minimize the effects of coronavirus for the economy, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said.

"We know and we are doing all that is necessary to get through this challenging period as carefully and judiciously as we can. We are taking steps based on the data we are receiving from countries where the unfavorable scenario is playing out," he said at a meeting between the Russian president and Cabinet ministers.

"In order to prevent the infection from spreading exponentially we are making calculated decisions to minimize the consequences for the economy and chiefly for our people," he said.

The government is acting as transparently as possible, explaining all that is taking place and what measures are being taken, he said.

"But since people are worried we have to step up the information side of our work," Mishustin said.