Zelensky calls on religious leaders of Ukraine to help fight COVID-19

A meeting of Vladimir Zelensky with the AUCCRO. Photo: president.gov.ua

President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky held a meeting with representatives of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations and called on them to help counter the spread of COVID-19, reports the website of the Head of State.

During the meeting, Zelensky noted that, according to the Ministry of Health, in Ukraine in recent weeks, 5-6 thousand new cases of coronavirus infection have been recorded every day and there is a tendency to an increase in the incidence. The disease is most difficult for the elderly - this category of citizens accounts for 80-85% of all deaths due to COVID-19.

“We can reduce the number of infected and dead people if we reduce the number of people, especially the elderly, in crowded places. It's not only about the church, but also about any premises and events,” Vladimir Zelensky stressed.

The President noted that the state cannot increase the number of beds every week and transfer medical facilities only for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.

“The situation will be critical for the medical system of Ukraine when there are 9.5 thousand daily infections with coronavirus. If we have more than 9.5 thousand infected people every day, we will be forced to impose strict quarantine. But then the economy of our country will stop and it will be very difficult for everyone,” the Head of State noted.

The President called on representatives of churches and religious organizations to organize religious events in such a way as to minimize crowds and increase social distance, including the online worship service.

Representatives of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations assured that they take and will take maximum measures to comply with quarantine recommendations, including social distancing to reduce the risk of coronavirus disease.

In addition, In addition, some churches and religious organizations have introduced social initiatives to purchase and transfer food and supplies to the elderly and low-income people in order to reduce their social contacts with potentially sick people, as well as "medical chaplaincy" to assist the health workers and the sick.

As reported earlier, according to the head of the Legal Department of the UOC, Archpriest Alexander Bakhov, the biased attitude of state authorities towards the Church due to the coronavirus is illegal and discriminates against believers.

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