CHISINAU – The Moldovan authorities have made a decision to close churches and suspend flights to European countries due to the threat of coronavirus spread, Moldovan Prime Minister Ion Chicu said.
“The situation in the countries of Europe with the spread of coronavirus is aggravating. We have to take more radical precautions. The commission has decided that all religious events will be halted for two weeks, including services in all churches. You know that there are many elderly people in churches who are in the risk category. Some services will be conducted by priests, but without the flock, they will be broadcast on television,” Chicu said on March 13 after a meeting of the National Commission for Public Health Emergencies.
All entertainment events and sports competitions will be suspended in the country, he said. The Chisinau central market and some other markets will be closed from March 16.
“Air communication between Moldova and the cities of France and Spain is suspended from 00:00 today and with all European countries from Sunday evening. Depending on the developments, this measure may take effect earlier. Besides, foreign citizens will not be able to come to Moldova, with the exception of diplomats and those who have residence permits,” Chicu said.
The number of working checkpoints on the ground border will be reduced to tighten control, he said. “These measures will be synchronized with the authorities of the neighboring countries, Ukraine and Romania,” Chicu said.
At the same time, he said the authorities had decided not to cancel the by-election to the Moldovan parliament on one constituency, which is due to be held in the Hincesti area on Sunday. “The election will be held. But work is being done to tighten security so that the people are sure about their safety during the voting,” Chicu said.
There are six confirmed coronavirus cases in Moldova.
