As of April 28, 2020, Ukraine has been under quarantine for 48 days, with a gradual easing of restrictions tentatively set for May 11. Health Minister Maksym Stepanov indicated that the Ministry of Health is continuously monitoring the situation and will lift restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so.
Currently, Ukraine has recorded a total of 9,410 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 1,843 healthcare workers and 639 children. The number of recoveries stands at 992, with 239 fatalities reported. Over the course of the pandemic, 98,719 PCR tests have been conducted, some of which were repeat tests.
Regions most affected include Chernivtsi and Kyiv, with Chernivtsi nearing 1,500 cases and Kyiv reporting 1,298. In the last 24 hours, there have been 401 new cases, including 94 healthcare workers and 25 children, along with 19 deaths and 128 recoveries. Notably, this marks the fifth consecutive day that new cases have remained below 500, although hospitalizations have increased significantly.
In military settings, nine new cases were reported, bringing the total number of infections in the Armed Forces to 73, with no cases detected at the front lines. The Ministry of Health has warned that if the number of cases rises after restrictions are lifted, stricter measures may be reinstated.
In response to ongoing protests from small business owners, President Zelensky has called for the reopening of over 280 covered markets, with the Prime Minister stating that the matter will be discussed in the upcoming government meeting on April 29. The Ministry of Health has prepared guidelines for market operations, including mandatory mask usage, temperature checks, and sanitation measures.
In Chernivtsi, local entrepreneurs gathered outside the regional administration to advocate for market openings, while in Mukachevo, food markets resumed operations on April 28.
In international news, 90 Ukrainians were evacuated from Turkey via ferry but faced delays for medical examinations, with some passengers expressing concerns about communication during the process. They will be quarantined at the Kuyalnik sanatorium while awaiting test results.
Globally, the spread of COVID-19 continues to rise, particularly in the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom. The total number of global cases increased by approximately 70,000 in the last day, indicating a slight decrease in the rate of spread for the third consecutive day.
In the United States, President Trump resumed briefings, emphasizing that the resumption of flights from Europe will depend on the epidemiological situation. He also reiterated his administration’s scrutiny of China’s actions during the outbreak.
In the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced plans to present a strategy for easing lockdown measures, while families of deceased healthcare workers will receive financial support as part of a new program.
Ukraine continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic with a steady rise in cases while preparing for potential easing of restrictions. As the situation develops, local and international responses highlight ongoing challenges and efforts to manage the crisis.