As of April 27, 2020, the global count of COVID-19 infections has approached 3 million, with significant increases reported in Russia and ongoing protests by farmers in Ukraine against market closures.
Ukraine is currently on its 47th day of quarantine, having announced a five-phase plan for easing restrictions on April 24. The government indicated that if the number of cases continues to decline, the country could skip stages and move directly to the third or fourth phase, potentially starting May 11.
In Ukraine, confirmed cases have surpassed 9,000, with the following statistics reported:
- 9,009 total cases, including 1,749 healthcare workers and 614 children.
- 864 recoveries.
- 220 fatalities.
- 93,519 PCR tests conducted, some of which were repeat tests.
The rate of new daily infections has shown a slight decrease, with 392 new cases reported in the last 24 hours, including 73 healthcare workers and 28 children. The number of daily cases has remained below 500 for four consecutive days.
Regions with the highest infection rates include Chernivtsi and Kyiv, each reporting over 1,200 cases. The Chernivtsi Regional Clinical Hospital has reported a shortage of intensive care unit beds.
In the military, six new cases were confirmed, bringing the total to 64 since the outbreak began, with no cases reported at the front lines.
Protests erupted in Kramatorsk and Kherson, where approximately 200 farmers blocked a bridge over the Dnipro River, demanding the reopening of markets. One protester symbolically dumped cucumbers onto the road, highlighting the difficulties in selling their produce.
In other news, the Lviv Regional State Administration has reached out to 1,500 foreign companies affected by the crisis, encouraging them to relocate their operations to Lviv, citing the availability of returning workers with international experience and proximity to European markets.
On the global stage, the total number of COVID-19 cases has reached 2,972,315, with an increase of about 72,000 in the last day, marking a decline from previous days. The highest new case counts were observed in the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
In the U.S., the death toll has risen to 54,876, with 1,126 fatalities reported in the last day, a decrease from the previous day. As states push for the easing of lockdown measures, the government plans to gradually restart the economy in May.
In Russia, the number of confirmed cases has reached 87,147, with 50 deaths reported in the last day. The country is experiencing rapid virus spread, surpassing China in total cases.
Meanwhile, New Zealand has reported a significant reduction in virus transmission, with officials stating they have “eliminated” community transmission, although they caution that vigilance is still necessary.
In Italy, the government plans to reopen businesses on May 4, while schools will remain closed until September. Spain is also set to ease some restrictions, allowing outdoor activities for children starting next week.
As COVID-19 cases approach 3 million globally, Ukraine faces rising infections and farmer protests against market closures. Meanwhile, countries like New Zealand and Italy are beginning to ease restrictions as they manage their outbreaks.