On Friday, October 9, a meeting of the State Commission on Technogenic and Environmental Safety and Emergencies was held.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal called on local TES and Emergency commissions in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Sumy to step up anti-epidemic measures to prevent the rapid spread of COVID-19. "Local authorities have asked to give them more powers. They now have sufficient power to effectively control the spread of coronavirus infection. Please take the upper hand and establish order. It is our shared responsibility," said the Prime Minister.

Following the meeting, the Prime Minister commissioned heads of regional and Kyiv city state administrations, heads of healthcare departments to provide oxygen to the hospital beds by October 30.

"Today at the Government’s session we have allocated UAH 572 million for these purposes. Our goal is to provide at least 80% of the beds with oxygen. I give a commission to organize everything by the end of the month. This is your area of responsibility," stressed Denys Shmyhal.

Moreover, the Prime Minister commissioned the Ministry of Health to work out options for the deployment of additional beds outside hospitals and rapid centralized oxygen supply. "I hope we will not have to resort to such measures. However, medical specialists have to work out such an option as well," the Head of Government said.

During the meeting, the State Commission for TES and Emergencies considered the proposals submitted by the staff of the National Security and Defense Council and issued relevant commissions.

Apart from that, on instruction of the State Commission for TES and Emergencies, the Ministry of Health is working on possible amendments to Resolution № 641 on strengthening adaptive quarantine measures.