Ukraine eyes COVID-Delta related border restrictions

The Ukrainian government is examining the feasibility
of monitoring and restricting movement between Ukraine and countries where the
Delta form of COVID-19 is highly prevalent. The foreign affairs and health ministries
are to prepare proposals on the matter, president.gov.ua reported on June 22.
In a conference call held at the president’s office, the Delta strain was in
focus along with Ukraine’s general COVID situation. PM Denys Shmyhal pointed
out the extent of the decline in the current caseload. “Today there are
25,120 active patients. For comparison, there were almost 420,000 at the peak
of the incidence.”

Ukraine’s vaccination program was also discussed, and
the need to increase vaccinations in some regions of the country was
emphasized. Shmyhal directed the Communities and Territories Development
Ministry to help accelerate the process. Over two million Ukrainians have been
vaccinated thus far.

James Hydzik: The
possible restrictions would affect first and foremost travel from Russia. The
mayor of Moscow stated that 89.3% of the cases in Moscow were a variant of
Delta, as infection numbers rose, interfax.ru reported on June 17. However,
Poland and the UK, among others, could also be affected by these restrictions.

The lack of a vaccination roll-out in some areas is
more disconcerting, especially with the summer travel season beginning. At the
moment, though, infection rates are down across the country.