Kyiv begins lockdown with gridlock

Ukraine’s capital begins a two-week tightened
quarantine regime on Apr. 5, with schools and most businesses closing. Mass
transit in the city is operating on a limited-access schedule, and special
passes are required. Offices are to switch to remote work to the greatest
degree possible at this time. Online media ukrinform.ua states that employers
refusing to adapt to the quarantine will be fined a minimum of UAH 35,000. The
head of the Consumer Service of Kyiv, Oleh Ruban, gave the warning in an
interview on Ukraine 24 TV channel.

Social media and news services show Kyiv’s streets are
filled with cars as people try to get to work. Prices for taxi services were
three times higher than normal during Monday rush hour.

James Hydzik: Most
businesses that think they can work remotely are already doing so. The gridlock
and resulting loss of work hours will likely cause more companies in Kyiv to
become creative. The traffic is more likely to goad firms and employees into
changing their behavior than the threat of fines.