The meeting was addressing the issues of combating the spread of coronavirus, changes to the State budget, social support for vulnerable groups, unemployment assistance and more.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal held a conference call with heads of regional state administrations (RSA) and city state administration (CSA) heads on Thursday, April 9.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Head of the Office of the President Serhii Trofimov, Kyiv City State Administration head Vitalii Klitschko as chairman of the Association of Ukrainian Cities, Minister of Social Policy Maryna Lazebna, Minister of Community and Territory Development Olexii Chernyshov, Minister of Health Maxym Stepanov and other Government members.

The Prime Minister informed the participants of the conference call that the main purpose of this online meeting was to inform and discuss problems related, first of all, to the gradual relaxing of quarantine measures and gradual recovery of the economy.

"The Government Resolution determines that the quarantine is due to last until April 24. Most likely, it will continue until early May. Only then we can be ready to ease certain restrictions. At that, we understand that the disease will not retreat fast. Therefore, we must prepare new social standards after rigorous quarantine measures: to develop new transport rules, social distance rules, those for staying indoors and in establishments. We have little time for that. And it is critical to join efforts," Denys Shmyhal stressed.

Moreover, PM noted that in synergy with the President, Government and local authorities minimizing the burden on the medical system and saving tens of thousands of lives had proved possible.

"We need to coordinate endeavors at maximum and, taking into account the world experience, switch to local quarantines in case of new outbreaks of the disease," stressed Denys Schmyhal.

The Head of Government also called on the heads of cities and regions to continue coordinated action to ensure the well-being of their citizens: "We are developing a separate program for the creation of new workplaces, and we need your help here. We are looking for a list of vocational professions and the number of workers required in your cities/regions. It will be your application for the labour force."

The RSA and CSA leaders concerned about the state of preparation of the changes to the State Budget. The Prime Minister told that the work sees its final stage and that he hoped that the Parliament would support it next week.

"Let's develop coordination and instead of engaging in politics, just do your job," the Prime Minister summed up.

Moreover, together with the Association of Ukrainian Cities, the interlocutors decided to hold such teleconferences on a regular basis - at least once a month.