Since the beginning of the pandemic, the city has developed a strategy to control the spread of the coronavirus, which has helped curb the spread of the disease. Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boichenko spoke about its key elements at the International Summit of Mayors.
‘When the pandemic started in the country, we immediately developed a clear algorithm of action. We have identified three areas of work - medical strategy, effective management and social program,’ Vadym Boichenko said.
According to the Mayor of Mariupol, first of all they launched a PCR laboratory, which makes more than 600 samples a day. This allowed to identify patients and isolate them. A call center and 40 mobile crews were set up to support them on a daily basis. Due to the help of business, 1,000 beds were deployed, all 100% - provided with oxygen.
‘Due to these strategic steps, it was possible to reduce the stay of patients in medical institutions from 40 to 7-10 days. After all, the occupancy rate of medical institutions never exceeded 40%. The result - the incidence rate was only 6%,’ the Mayor of Mariupol said.
300% from the city budget was added to the salary to motivate doctors. In order for residents of retirement age to stay at home, they were given food kits. To support the people of Mariupol, who lost their jobs due to the closure of cafes and restaurants, the program "Neat City" was launched. Due to it, 580 Mariupol residents were employed. Another 640 jobs were created at utilities.
‘We have taken a comprehensive approach to counteracting not only the disease itself, but also its consequences. The city has become a support for the elderly and residents without a stable income. This allowed us to pass the period of the pandemic without significant medical and social upheavals,’ Vadym Boichenko stressed.
It should be noted that the International Summit of Mayors is being held in Kyiv today. It is an event that unites city and community leaders, experts and business representatives to develop cooperation. This year about 130 people take part in the event.
Photo: Facebook International Mayors Summit
