Opening the discussion, the chairman of the Council of Rectors of Universities in the South of Russia, the president of Southern Federal University Marina Borovskaya informed the audience that the head of the Ministry of Education and Science Valery Falkov expressed extreme surprise that not all websites of Russian universities contain sections dedicated to coronavirus or vaccination.

She also stressed that the public position of the rector's community on the prevention of the spread of coronavirus and vaccination is of great importance, including for strengthening explanatory work.

Marina Borovskaya also provided analytical data on the number of vaccinated people in the region, the percentage of which is lower than in the whole country, and noted the importance of educational work and systematic monitoring of the situation, as well as identifying and eliminating problematic issues.

One of such problems, speakers from almost all regions of the region emphasized, is vaccinations and treatment for international students. Many universities are trying to solve this problem at the regional level, but the problem is quite acute in cases when international students who suffer from this disease have to be treated, since their insurance does not cover these costs, which reach up to 100 thousand rubles.

Vladimir Gurba, Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Southern Federal District, who participated in the discussion, stressed that this is about collective social security and noted the persuasiveness and importance of a personal example for those who have not yet been vaccinated.

The Council of Rectors of Universities in the South of Russia has made decisions to strengthen measures against coronavirus, strengthen educational work, limit mass gatherings and become a safe place for practice, summer recreation and training in the new academic year.