Ukraine: Highest daily increase of COVID-19 cases reported on October 21 /update 22

Event

On Wednesday, October 21, the Ukrainian Health Ministry announced the highest 24-hour increase in cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) since the beginning of the pandemic, with a total of 7053 new cases being reported nationwide. The latest tally brings Ukraine's total number of confirmed cases to 331,995, with 6209 associated fatalities.

On September 28, COVID-19-related entry restrictions for non-resident foreign nationals were lifted. The easing of restrictions was on the condition that individuals entering the country provide proof of travel insurance that covers the cost of COVID-19 observation and treatment. Additionally, the insurance must either be provided by a domestic insurance company or by an international one with a representation or partnership in Ukraine. Foreign residents residing in Ukraine, refugees, and diplomats are exempt from the requirement.

Social distancing and hygiene measures remain in place across the country. Bars, cafes, and restaurants are not allowed to operate beyond 22:00 (local time) and educational facilities will remain closed until October 30. Commercial international and domestic flights have resumed operations, as has public transport between regions on a reduced scale. Face masks remain mandatory in public spaces and on public transportation.

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.