The message of President Klaus Iohannis

Against the background of a surge in coronavirus infections in Romania, President Klaus Iohannis has urged citizens to be responsible and compassionate especially by observing the rules set by the authorities.

Eugen Coroianu, 24.03.2020, 14:00

In Romania, the number of people infected with the novel coronavirus has increased, and, as expected, the country reported the first deaths. Just as it happened in other countries, in Romania the virus has killed mostly old people, aged over 65, with a weak immune system and pre-existing medical conditions. In a televised message to the country, President Klaus Iohannis called on the elderly to avoid exposure and not leave their homes, as the only way of protecting themselves and others from the disease and and the sufferance caused by the virus.

President Klaus Iohannis: ”Dear Romanians, by an irony of fate, helping others means today and the weeks to come, keeping away from them. No matter how cruel and paradoxical it may sound, this is the truth. Keeping social distance is what will get us through this, after such an incredibly difficult period. So lets take good care of our parents and grandparents these days, but from a distance. We are at a watershed moment for the entire nation, a moment which none of us would have thought possible. Critical weeks will follow, when the states capabilities and our moral and emotional strength will be challenged. Now its the time to be strong and united. A nations true strength lies in the ability of its people to take care of each other and not leave anyone out. ”

Iohannis has again called on the citizens to strictly observe the rules and recommendations set by the authorities, in order to buy precious time for the medical system to treat infected patients. By staying home we help the doctors take care of the people who need medical care. Lets not make the efforts of the people who already work under huge pressure even harder, the President said. He further explained that the restrictive measures enforced so far were taken gradually, based on the stage we were in, in terms of infections. These are not easy decisions, Iohannis said, but they are vital to protect the health of Romanians.

Iohannis gave assurances that the authorities are doing their best to get us through this situation: “Everything that we have, all fiscal and economic instruments, all resources, including the ones that we can get from the European Union, are used for the health of the citizens, for the support of companies and employees that are going through dramatic moments these days. Today we have the advantage of being part of the large European family, and, by working together with our partners, I am confident that we will manage to get over the social and economic shock generated by this crisis. It is at very difficult times, when we must deal with the biggest challenges, that we show who we really are.“

This is a time for compassion, generosity and altruism, the President also said. (Translated by Elena Enache)