Ukraine expects next COVID wave in mid-May

Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov stated on
Ukraine 24 TV channel that he expects another coronavirus outbreak after the
upcoming holidays. He noted in an April 19 interview that a series of holidays
is coming up, and that “there is not only Easter.” Pravda.com.ua reports that
Stepanov said that the extent of the wave will be determined largely by the
movement of people, and cannot be predicted accurately beforehand.

Stepanov had made contradictory statements regarding a
“special regime” for the quarantine. On April 18, he claimed that “of course,
there will be a special regime” over the holidays. On the 19th, he backtracked,
and stated that the restrictions in place at that time for a given locality
would stay in place, and that the government would ask people to limit contact
and avoid crowds.

The Health Ministry posted on Facebook on April 20
that 8,940 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours nationwide, and that
367 people had died.

James Hydzik: Easter Sunday is May 2 in Ukraine this year, which helps shorten the
spring holiday season somewhat. However, early May is usually a time for
visiting relatives. How many people change their behavior this year in light of
COVID without government restrictions forcing them to, could determine the need
for restrictions later on. Stepanov’s lack of clear direction will do nothing
to minimize travel.