Business may not withstand a weekend lockdown- EBA

11/ 11/ 2020

The media began to actively report on the possible tightening of restrictive measures and the introduction of a weekend lockdown. And today, on November 11, these restrictions are likely to be adopted by the Government at a meeting. According to the business community, the state needs a plan consisting of reasonable steps, based on world practices and accumulated experience. At the same time, clear and understandable adaptive steps of interaction with business are needed, rather than strict total restrictions, to support the economic health of the country. According to the community, a hard lockdown, and the closure of most businesses over the weekend will do more harm than good. The business community emphasizes again the need to consider several ways to resolve the situation and to ensure, as far as possible, a balance between public health and economic health. Anna Derevyanko. EBA Executive Director. Surely, the time now is difficult for everyone. Businesses, citizens, as well as government decision-makers have to endure great pressure. Thus, the population should still have a higher level of self-awareness to help counter the spread of the virus. Companies should do what, in fact, most are already doing, look for new niches and opportunities, support each employee as much as possible. However, the authorities should also be more proactive, both in combating the spread of the virus and in supporting the population and business. Unfortunately, at the moment we do not feel such kind of support. It is worth noting that the level of economic activity at the weekend is quite high. Therefore, the total closure on the weekend can hurt entrepreneurs, and for some - to be the final point in the work. At the same time, companies are now consciously approaching the situation with COVID-19, for example, by detecting diseases in the enterprise - establishing preventive measures to minimize the spread, introducing the principle of self-isolation for those who are likely to have been in contact with the patient. Introduce special rules and security measures when working with clients, etc. Therefore, business calls to avoid another hard lockdown in the country and to make any decisions in this context with a consideration of long-term, strategic planning, and adaptability. Besides, it is necessary not only to establish rules but also to monitor their compliance with quality by both businesses and citizens, which is the direct responsibility of the National Police and is not always properly enforced. Therefore, we hope that the voice of business will be heard as the country is not able to withstand a hard lockdown, or else, we most likely have to face a crisis in the winter with a frozen economy. Be the first to learn about the latest EBA news with our Telegram-channel – EBAUkraine.

According to the business community, the state needs a plan consisting of reasonable steps, based on world practices and accumulated experience. At the same time, clear and understandable adaptive steps of interaction with business are needed, rather than strict total restrictions, to support the economic health of the country. According to the community, a hard lockdown, and the closure of most businesses over the weekend will do more harm than good.

The business community emphasizes again the need to consider several ways to resolve the situation and to ensure, as far as possible, a balance between public health and economic health.

Anna Derevyanko EBA Executive Director

Surely, the time now is difficult for everyone. Businesses, citizens, as well as government decision-makers have to endure great pressure. Thus, the population should still have a higher level of self-awareness to help counter the spread of the virus. Companies should do what, in fact, most are already doing, look for new niches and opportunities, support each employee as much as possible. However, the authorities should also be more proactive, both in combating the spread of the virus and in supporting the population and business. Unfortunately, at the moment we do not feel such kind of support.

It is worth noting that the level of economic activity at the weekend is quite high. Therefore, the total closure on the weekend can hurt entrepreneurs, and for some – to be the final point in the work. At the same time, companies are now consciously approaching the situation with COVID-19, for example, by detecting diseases in the enterprise – establishing preventive measures to minimize the spread, introducing the principle of self-isolation for those who are likely to have been in contact with the patient. Introduce special rules and security measures when working with clients, etc.

Therefore, business calls to avoid another hard lockdown in the country and to make any decisions in this context with a consideration of long-term, strategic planning, and adaptability. Besides, it is necessary not only to establish rules but also to monitor their compliance with quality by both businesses and citizens, which is the direct responsibility of the National Police and is not always properly enforced.

Therefore, we hope that the voice of business will be heard as the country is not able to withstand a hard lockdown, or else, we most likely have to face a crisis in the winter with a frozen economy.

Be the first to learn about the latest EBA news with our Telegram-channel – EBAUkraine.