The vacation of children is extended from March 22 for one more week, Prime Minster Ion Chicu stated after the meeting of the Single Command Center for managing the crisis caused by COVID-19,  IPN.

“We discussed and decided to extend children’s vacation at all the levels of education for one more week. Later we will decide depending on the developments,” stated the official, noting that this week and several days of next week are essential in the prevention of the spread of the novel coronavirus.

According to Premier Chicu, they are also considering taking economic measures and discussions will be held with the National Bank of Moldova on March 18. Two commercial banks already announced the deferring of payments on loans until May 31.

Discussions were also held with service providers and the consumers are urged to avoid forming lines when paying for public utilities as no penalties for late payment will be imposed. The people are recommended to pay online and not to go to banks or post offices.

“No one intends to keep the situation suspended for 60 days”

President Igor Dodon said the state of emergency declared for 60 days represents the maximum period, but no one intends to keep the situation suspended for 60 days. “The decision concerning the 60-day period was taken in order to be able to intervene when need be. We hope a lot that this situation will last less so that the people, including business entities, could resume work at a certain moment,” stated President Dodon.

As many as 30 cases of infection with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in Moldova to date.

A state of emergency was declared in Moldova for 60 days as of March 17.