Ramzan Kadyrov calls on residents of Chechnya to stop panicking over coronavirus

Ramzan Kadyrov asked residents of Chechnya not to be afraid of the spread of the coronavirus infection and stop buying food. The leader of Chechnya threatened that people who were disseminating panic rumours in social networks would have to apologize.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on March 13, in Chechnya, seven residents were placed under quarantine with suspected coronavirus infection. With the aim of preventing the spread of the coronavirus infection, Chechen schools extend spring breaks significantly: the breaks will begin today and last until April 25. Universities of the republic transferred students to distance learning until March 25.

The "Grozny" ChGTRK (State TV and Radio Company) posted a video on its Telegram channel. In the video, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov says that he is holding an online meeting with the Chechen Minister for Public Health. "People write to me right now and report about quarrels over food in various retail outlets," Ramzan Kadyrov explained the reason for his appeal. The leader of Chechnya has called on residents of the republic to stop buying food and noted that the panic is being created by rumours disseminated in social networks by "gossipers."

"In his appeal, the leader of the region advised everyone to strengthen immunity, trust the will of the Almighty Allah and not give in to provocations. Those people who are disseminating false information and push others to panic will have to apologize and be held responsible for their actions," the "Grozny" ChGTRK announced in its Instagram post on March 16.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on March 17, 2020 at 11:39 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.