Mehriban Aliyeva: “We won a victory in the first battle, nevertheless, the fight against the pandemic is going on, both in our country and globally.”

Dear fellow citizens! 

I would like to share my thoughts on the current condition of the epidemic COVID-19 in our country. 

Having assessed the path we have been through, we can say today that by the time this ferocious virus broke out, we had very little information on how to assess and perceive its true scale, the degree of peril, and the complications it could cause. The only thing was obvious that all forces should have been mobilised and decisive measures taken. We can tell with confidence that our country handled this job properly. According to opinions of both Azerbaijani and international experts, Azerbaijan is among the states to come out of the first and extremely dangerous phase of the epidemic with the least losses. We could manage to handle the basic issues, such as preventing the virus from rapidly spreading, building a team of professionals to coordinate all the aspects of the struggle against the epidemic, and combining necessary technical and human resources. The healthcare system developed, in a short span of time, an effective resistance strategy against the dangerous epidemic. Employees of life support facilities in cities and villages solved urgent matters. With a view to supporting the small and medium businesses, as well as providing social support to population, programme packages over 3 billion Manats worth have been developed and implemented by the state. 

In short, thanks to timely thought and implemented measures, our country could indeed avoid the tragic scenario. 

I want to thank all whose labour was the guarantee of our successes.

Our people once more demonstrated its best qualities on the days of test, and this is worth endless appreciation. We have been taking care of our Homeland’s security, having demonstrated unconquerable unity against the peril. Dear fellow citizens, uniting our efforts, we could save our home against the devastatingly rapid spread of the disease. Thank you for that. 

I want to once more deeply thank our courageous medical workers – doctors, nurses, laboratory assistants, technical staff of hospitals and clinics, and everyone who are continuing to save lives and health of people day and night. I thank our policemen and military servicemen of the interior forces, as they have been ensuring public order, security, and observance of the quarantine rules.  

I thank all employees of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Regional Development Public Association, social workers, and volunteers. I want to also thank those people who have approached this issue responsibly, providing support and showing kindness. May almighty God bless all people of good deed!

Dear Friends! 

Thanks to positive results, we could soften the isolation regime to a certain extent.  Activities of a series of state entities and the private sector businesses have been restored. Some of the previously applied quarantine measures are lifted. Does this mean that the danger is over and we can return to our daily normal life? Unfortunately, not, we are not there yet. We gained a victory in the first battle, nevertheless, the fight against the pandemic is going on, both in our country and globally. The virus, which has caused so much suffering to all countries and peoples, has not been defeated yet. It remains as dangerous as it was before, for all of us, being among us. No one knows when the vaccine against the virus COVID-19 will be developed and when the quick and effective treatment of the disease found. For the time being, nothing has happened, and we all have to understand and accept that we are forced to live with this new reality. In no case should we lose our sobriety, allowing carelessness against the backdrop of the encouraging figures. It is inadmissible to destroy the achievement we have reached so painstakingly. Carelessness would pose a real threat to each of us, to our relatives, and our country. We all have to learn to live under new rules. Actually, these rules are not so difficult to follow, which requires social distancing, using protective means, and frequently washing hands. On the other tray of the balance are our life and health. This is a new bitter truth, and all - from the President to a common citizen – should accept this reality.  

Dear fellow-citizens!

No doubt, the day will come on which a horrible story called COVID-19 will be left behind. I am hopeful that day is not far. However, it has not come yet, and, dear brothers and sisters, please be sober and disciplined, and follow new rules and requirements with full responsibility. Safe yourselves and your relatives! Save our beloved Homeland, and our Azerbaijan! 

With profound respect and love,

Your MEHRIBAN