Gov’t mobilizes all the resources to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus in Ukraine

The Government House hosted a briefing gathering representatives of the Cabinet of Ministers on the implementation of the National Security and Defence Council’s (NSDC) decisions.

“The dynamics of the spread of coronavirus infection is gaining momentum, and such a situation requires decisive action to protect Ukrainian citizens. There is no reason to panic. But we need to mobilize all the resources and forces to protect Ukraine from the effects of the coronavirus,” Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba commented on the Cabinet of Ministers' decision to temporarily ban foreigners from entering Ukraine and to close the scheduled international passenger service adopted today. He noted that such steps are being taken today by many countries in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Dmytro Kuleba also stressed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would exert every effort to ensure that no Ukrainian abroad is left without assistance. He urged Ukrainians to sign up for the DRUG (friend) web site. Apart from that, the Minister called on citizens to refuse travel abroad and to cancel planned travel if possible.

Infrastructure Minister Vladyslav Kryklii stressed that the restrictions did not apply to freight traffic.

"We're not talking about restrictions on export and import operations right now. Land, air, sea, cargo freight will be carried out. We are well aware that effective coronavirus control is a secure and stable economy as well. And we are doing everything we have to for that,” the official said.

Apart from that, Vladyslav Kryklii noted that domestic conveyance services are sustainable while pensions, social payments, correspondence are delivered according to the schedule.

"The UkrPoshta national postal operator will secure all information, all mail and payments. That is why the Ministry of Infrastructure in synergy with the Ministry of Social Policy and the Pension Fund will ensure to prevent any kind of collapse,” the Minister of Infrastructure emphasized.

Informing about the morbidity rate in Ukraine, acting Director of the Public Health Center (PHC) of the Ministry of Health Ihor Kuzin noted that from different regions of Ukraine today there had been reported about 15 cases that were under laboratory testing.

“As of this hour, 18 samples have been analyzed - no confirmed positive among those. But the samples continue to be delivered not only to the national level, but also to regional laboratories, which have already received test systems and are authorized to conduct research,” he said, adding that from Monday, the Ministry of Health’s Regional Laboratory Centers had received additional one million hryvnias to procure the necessary reagents for work. And, according to Ihor Kuzin, this is only part of the resources that will be directed to provide emergency response.

Moreover, he stressed that the PHC in synergy with WHO and the neighboring countries, which had already imposed a state of emergency, would be tasked with coordinating action and ensuring border checkpoints be functioning.

“Sanitary quarantine units operation is ensured at the border crossing points. These are the experts who conduct temperature screening and will send everyone with a fever to the nearest healthcare facilities. Ambulance shifts are also organized,” he said.

Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Serhii Deyneko said that out of 230 operating checkpoints there will be 123. 107 checkpoints having characterized with poor traffic will suspend their operation.

"We have remained with each neighboring country the optimal number of checkpoints, and that is sufficient to organize stable crossings at any section of the state border," said Serhii Deyneko.

He stressed that the State Border Service is ready to maintain the rule law and order at the state border.