Kadyrov orders to control prices in Chechnya

The prevention of the coronavirus-related panic is more important than countering the infection itself, Chechen authorities have stated. Ramzan Kadyrov has demanded from officials to monitor the pricing. Residents of Chechnya distrust authorities' assurances about their readiness for the epidemic.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that after the information about the preventive measures taken in Chechnya against the spread of coronavirus, hype began: residents of the republic began to buy out foodstuffs in large quantities. Ramzan Kadyrov and the Mufti of Chechnya, Salakh Mezhiev, urged them not to rush into panic.

On March 20, Ramzan Kadyrov held a sitting of his operative headquarters for countering coronavirus.

"In Russia, the problem of psychological stress caused by the hysteria around COVID-19 in the information space is generally topical. As of today, it is more relevant than the virus itself. In this context, I have instructed to conduct, jointly with mass media, explanatory work with the population. We need to explain to people the prophylactic measures and tell about the myths surrounding the coronavirus that cause panic," Ramzan Kadyrov has written.

Ramzan Kadyrov has noted that "he demanded to keep under tight control that issues related to price regulation."

"The society is sympathetic to the measures taken; there is no panic and enough foodstuffs in stores," the head of Chechnya has stated.

Larisa, a Chechen teacher, has expressed doubt that authorities will be able to keep the situation under control in case of a real emergency.

"To be honest, the more they calm us down, the more anxious our souls become. If everything is under control, then why are there no medical masks in pharmacies; and where they are, why do they cost several times higher than two weeks ago? Why is there a deficit of certain drugs against flu and high temperature? What shall we do if this epidemic comes to us? Should we stay at home for weeks? I'm even afraid to think about the consequences if people suddenly start suffering from coronavirus en masse. It will be a complete chaos," a local resident told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on March 21, 2020 at 01:13 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.