Russian authorities are already technically ready for a new fifth wave of the pandemic and have a well-established mechanism of support for small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs), says Alexander Kalinin, president of the business association Opora Russia.

According to the expert, restrictions on travel between countries will not stop the virus. "The wave will come from Europe - there are no miracles. If it has already gone there, this "Omicron", it is clear, whatever obstacles we put on the border, this fifth wave will come to us. If it happens and the regions impose stricter restrictions, in principle the Government has already adopted decree No. 1513, and money will be allocated to support such businesses. In such cases there will be direct subsidies," - he was quoted as saying by TASS.

Recall that on September 7, 2021 the Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin approved the rules for granting subsidies to SMEs and socially-oriented non-profit organizations that had to suspend their work due to anti-epidemic measures. According to the document, the amount of compensation for every two weeks of downtime is equal to 1/2 of the minimum wage per employee. In case the restrictions are prolonged, there is a possibility of increasing the grants to 1 minimum wage.

Made in Russia // Made in Russia

Author: Maria Buzanakova