What is known about the coronavirus quarantine in Ukraine

Ukraine has taken the path of strict quarantine, which has caused serious tension in society. Among the most controversial decisions are the total closure of the Kyiv metro, which led to a transport collapse, passes for traveling in buses and trams, and the closure of the border. How justified are the measures taken? When is the end of quarantine, or at least its easing, expected?

List of nationwide quarantine measures in Ukraine

The fight against coronavirus in different countries is carried out according to a similar scenario. All of Europe and most of the post-Soviet space canceled cultural events, transferred universities to distance learning, and repurposed hospitals. But in some states, the measures are unprecedented and include the almost complete paralysis of social life.

Ukraine introduced quarantine on March 11, 2020, it was tightened on April 6, and the estimated end date is April 24. The work of entertainment establishments, institutes and schools was stopped, only socially important enterprises were left. For ignoring the requirements of the Government, liability is provided - up to criminal.

List of main quarantine measures in Ukraine:

• citizens are obliged to stay at the place of residence or isolation, leaving it only to go to the store, seek medical help;
• the movement of residents is possible only in a mask, with identity documents;
• it is forbidden to visit playgrounds, stadiums, squares, sports grounds, places for recreation, etc.;
• education has been suspended, as quarantine has been introduced in schools of Ukraine, in secondary specialized educational institutions, universities;
• parents are obliged to control the presence of children under 14 years of age at home and not allow them to go out unaccompanied;
• 14-day isolation is provided for persons crossing the state border.

Residents of settlements are prohibited from moving around the streets in groups of two or more people, unless we are talking about moving with children. Violators of quarantine measures can be prosecuted, dozens of production facilities are opened. The strict coronavirus quarantine can be extended beyond April 24, 2020.

It is allowed to leave the house only in certain cases:

• for walking dogs;
• to visit institutions of social protection, social assistance, palliative medical institutions;
• purchase of food, personal hygiene items.

Features of quarantine in certain regions of the country

Activities may vary by region. In Kyiv, Kharkov and Dnipro announced the closure of the subway: it is impossible to use the subway. In a number of areas, restrictions have also affected the operation of public transport, which can only be accessed with a pass.

In Chernivtsi, from March 16, 2020, restaurants, cafes and canteens were closed, self-government bodies were transferred to a minimum operating mode. From the same day, all trade enterprises were closed in Lviv, except for pharmacies, gas stations and grocery stores. In Rivne, since mid-March, they stopped registering marriages, banned spontaneous trade, and suspended the activities of fairs and markets.

In general, a three-week total quarantine affected all settlements of Ukraine. Its cancellation and relaxation will begin no earlier than the 20th of April. In preparation for the epidemic, a number of hospitals have been redesigned for infectious diseases. At the same time, even such measures did not lead to the suppression of the infection: as of April 14, 3372 infected people were detected, 98 people died, and only 119 people successfully completed the course of treatment.

Which checkpoints will be quarantined in Ukraine

A wide public outcry was caused by the decision of V. Zelensky to completely close the border. In fact, the order was never fully implemented, citizens continued to enter through separate points of entry. Quarantine on the border with Ukraine has generated huge queues from Belarus, Poland and other states. People returning to their homeland were subjected to heavy searches, but no one followed the prescribed social distancing measures.

Only 21 checkpoints remained in operation, the rest of the checkpoints were closed and perform only the function of border protection. The existing border crossing points are located in Uzhgorod, Tisza, Porubna - a complete list of checkpoints for all modes of transport can be found on the website of the State Customs Service of Ukraine in the national language.

Until what date is quarantine in Ukraine

The shutdown of most business entities has already led to an increase in social tension. Quarantine in Ukraine is planned until at least April 24, 2020, but the end date of the events may be postponed. Experts are of the opinion that the peak incidence will occur only at the beginning of May.

Until the end of the restrictions, various institutions will continue to work:

• couriers delivering food, social necessities;
• post offices (if anti-virus measures are in place);
• stores selling food products, building materials;
• enterprises for the collection, preparation and processing of waste;
• other institutions whose work is recognized as necessary (dry cleaners, pharmacies, gas stations).

What can change the planned release date from quarantine

April 26 is not the final date for the end of the bans, and only a fundamental change in the epidemiological situation can affect it. But given that the number of infections continues to grow, the nationwide lockdown is likely to be extended. Forecasts about the end of the events are not made by any of the officials.

Memorial days at cemeteries have been moved to June 6, 2020 to avoid crowds on Orthodox Easter. According to WHO forecasts, a return to normal life is possible no earlier than after the introduction of an effective vaccine against COVID-2019, but its development continues.

What is happening now in infectious diseases hospitals in Ukraine

Even despite the fact that Ukraine has closed the border for quarantine, the number of cases continues to grow. The situation depends on the specific region, it is most intense in the capital. Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Kiev regions suffered more than others, Kherson, Donetsk, Kharkov regions suffered less than others.

At the same time, not a single region closed the entrance for internal movements, but traffic was significantly limited. There is a shortage of protective equipment and medicines in most Ukrainian hospitals. Over 25% of all infected are doctors, nurses and other workers.

Resuscitators and infectious disease specialists who come into contact with patients who are in serious condition are at particular risk. Against this background, there are no particular problems with the availability of test systems for determining COVID-2019, and private laboratories are involved in the rapid conduct of research.

Until the end of the epidemic, planned operations are suspended. According to some experts, the official number of infected people can be many times higher. At the same time, according to WHO recommendations, patients who suffer from COVID-2019 in a mild and moderate form, home isolation and taking antiviral drugs are sufficient.

Summary: when will it end?

No one undertakes to predict the end of the international crisis caused by the coronavirus. According to the mathematical model, the peak incidence will occur in June 2020, but this calculation does not take into account the possible second surge of COVID-2019. The harsh measures taken by the Ukrainian authorities caused a flurry of criticism from citizens.

And the people themselves are in no hurry to comply with the restrictions. For example, about 126 thousand people took part in the Catholic Easter events held in April. It is unlikely that this will reduce the rate of spread of the disease.