Ukraine: Government closes all borders March 27 due to COVID-19 /update 6

Event

On Thursday, March 26, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine's border would be closed and all passenger transportation would be suspended starting on Friday, March 27, to prevent further spread of the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Nationwide quarantine measures have been in place since Monday, March 16. All nonessential businesses are closed, domestic transportation is suspended, and gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited. Grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, banking institutions, and insurance companies will continue to provide service nationwide.

All foreign nationals continue to be barred from entering the country as of Saturday, March 28. The entry restrictions will remain in place until at least Sunday, March 29, and may be extended depending on the situation. According to Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov, Ukrainian citizens can still return to the country, but may be subject to "observation procedures" and self-quarantine.

To date, there have been more than 310 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine, including eight associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the coming days and weeks.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.