Ukraine: Nationwide quarantine measures extended through August 31 /update 17

Event

The Ukrainian government announced on Wednesday, July 22, that adaptive quarantine measures introduced due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic would be extended through August 31. The extension came following an increase in COVID-19 cases. Although the adaptive quarantine allows for restrictions to be eased in certain regions, the government stated that measures may be enhanced in affected regions.

Domestic and international flights resumed on June 15. Although intercity travel on trains and buses resumed at the beginning of June, social distancing and the wearing of masks and gloves, as well as temperature screenings, remain mandatory at many train stations and bus depots. The wearing of masks in public remains compulsory in all regions. Restaurants, bars, and religious buildings have also been permitted to reopen in most areas since June 5. 

As of Thursday, July 23, health authorities have confirmed 63,169 COVID-19 cases and 1570 associated deaths in the country. Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

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

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized. 

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.