The nationwide red alert in connection with COVID-19 does not point to a serious epidemiological situation. It was declared in anticipation of tendencies as there are indications that cases of local transmission will appear the next few days, Prime Minister Ion Chicu was quoted by IPN as saying in the talk show “Emphasis on Today” on TVR Moldova channel.

“Judging by the developments in the European Union member states, we can forecast that we will witness local transmission cases in several days. The eight cases of infection confirmed so far are cases of importation of the virus. When local transmission appears, we can declare an epidemic situation. The red alert now refers more to the interaction between the authorities, which were given more powers. We took a step in anticipation, but we do not doubt that the tendency is oriented towards such a situation. The red alert implies the increased mobilization of all the authorities and bodies in a nonstop regime,” stated Premier Chicu.

He noted that the novelty is not the red alert, but the additional measures approved by the Government. Among these measures is the suspension of group activities and entertainment activities in nightclubs and other recreation places.

“The example of other countries showed that at the incipient stage, determined, radical actions should be taken to prevent expansion. We are doing this now. We hope things will calm down by Easter and will be reversed,” said the official.

He also said that they are now considering the possibility of declaring a state of emergency all over the county, but hope that such a state will not be reached.