Cabinet extends quarantine as Poland tightens borders

The Cabinet of Ministers extended Ukraine’s adaptive
quarantine measures until March 31, 2022, PM Denys Shmyhal announced at the
government’s meeting on Dec. 15. Shmyhal also stated that Vinnytsia and
Khmelnytskyi oblasts had left the red quarantine zone, leaving eight oblasts at
the highest stage.

Also on Dec. 15, Poland began requiring testing for
everyone entering the country from outside the EU, including Ukrainians. The
tests must be taken less than 24 hours before entry, and those fully vaccinated
must take one as well. The measure comes as countries around the world react to
the spread of the Omicron strain of COVID-19.

In related news, the SBU uncovered a fake COVID
certificate ring operating in Kyiv that was bringing in more than UAH 5 mln per
month, pravda.com.ua reported on Dec. 14. At least 10 people were involved in
the scheme, including at least six family doctors.

James Hydzik: While the
Polish requirement is focused on containing the omicron strain of COVID, it
might have a short-term effect regarding the travel of those with fake
certificates as well, since testing, at least, is now mandatory. On the other
hand, fake test results might sound like a business opportunity for some.

The omicron strain has not been detected in Ukraine
yet. With more oblasts coming off the red zone list, people can mingle more
easily until the strain makes its presence known; another wave is certainly
coming. Whether it starts before the winter holidays or after is now the
question.