Ukraine’s cabinet extends quarantine but eases restrictions

Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers extended he country’s COVID-19
quarantine until Aug. 31 at a meeting on June 16. PM Denis Shmyhal stated after
the meeting that as the country had reached green (low) levels, restrictions
would be eased, pravda.com.ua reports. Also, self-isolation would now be done
without the Home mobile application in order to update the app.

Social distancing requirements have been relaxed for
gatherings, even for those indoors in rooms at 100% occupancy. Masks still need
to be worn. However, if all participants have negative COVID-19 test results
that are less than 72-hours old, or have proof of vaccination, then the
restrictions do not apply.

Furthermore, for entering the country, Ukrainian
citizens and permanent residents do not currently need a negative coronavirus
test or self-isolation. Foreigners must still have health insurance that covers
COVID as well as a negative test (less than 72 hours old) or document
confirming the receipt of a completed course of COVID-19 vaccine.

The changes should remain in effect for as long as
Ukraine remains at the current low COVID-19 incidence levels.

James Hydzik: If the pandemic continues as it has previously, the respite this summer
should continue through the end of August. However, government officials are concerned
about an early return to heightened levels coming earlier than last autumn due
to increasing cases in Russia, and a spread from east to west in Ukraine.
However, there is no indication that a spike is expected in Ukraine in the
short term.