The number of officially confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ukraine has reached 7,170 as of 9:30 a.m. on April 23, according to Ukraine’s health ministry. In total, 187 people have died from the disease in Ukraine and 504 have recovered.
In the past 24 hours, Ukraine has identified a record 578 new COVID-19 cases.
Out of all COVID-19 patients in Ukraine, 475 are children and 1,368 are medical workers. In the past 24 hours, Ukraine’s health ministry has carried out 5,283 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, the most accurate way of diagnosing COVID-19.
According to the available data as of April 23, the largest number of coronavirus cases in Ukraine has been registered in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast (1,510 cases), Chernivtsi Oblast (1,140 cases), Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast (644 cases), Ternopil Oblast (499 cases), Rivne Oblast (396 cases) and Vinnytsia Oblast (353 cases).
During an online briefing on April 23, Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said the country is already experiencing a spike in infections due to mass quarantine violations during the Easter holiday.
Almost 130,000 Ukrainians visited churches for Orthodox Easter on April 18-19, according to the National Police.
Ukrainians abroad
As of April 21, there are 151 Ukrainians receiving treatment for COVID-19 abroad. Fifty-four patients have recovered; 7 people have died.
Quarantine extensions
The Cabinet of Prime Minister Denys Shmygal announced on April 22 that it would extend quarantine measures until May 11.
The measures will include a ban on public gatherings of over two people, restrictions on public transportation and a requirement to wear face masks in public at all times.
COVID-19 cases are expected to grow
According to data from the National Academy of Sciences, Ukraine is expected to experience a peak of infections between May 3 and May 8, Shmygal said on April 22.
No easing of restrictions is possible at this time, he added.
Global virus outbreak
Globally, COVID-19 has infected over 2.6 million people. In total, 184,263 people have died as of the morning of April 23; 722,154 patients have recovered.
Overall, Europe is experiencing a downward trend in the number of coronavirus cases registered and is taking small steps to ease lockdown rules.
On April 21, Italy recorded its first fall in active virus cases since the country’s outbreak began. Italy’s lockdown will continue until May 3, but some businesses have reopened.
Germany has flattened the curve of new infections and has reopened small shops, car dealerships and bicycle stores on April 21.
Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Norway and Poland are among other European countries taking steps to end the lockdown.
China, where the virus originated, is experiencing the return of coronavirus cases in its northwest and has warned its citizens against overseas travel.
The largest numbers of COVID-19 cases have been identified in the U.S., Spain and Italy as of April 23.
CORONAVIRUS IN UKRAINE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- As of April 23: 187 people have died from COVID-19 in Ukraine; 504 people have recovered.
- 7,170 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of April 23. The first case was identified on March 3.
- Ukraine has extended its quarantine measures until May 11.
- The measures shuttered most everything but hospitals, supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, gas stations, and other critical enterprises.
- How the Ukrainian government has been responding: TIMELINE
- Misinformation on coronavirus is going viral in Ukraine.
- Doctor’s advice: How to stay safe.
- Foreign Ministry: What you need to know about traveling to and from Ukraine now
- Why the Kyiv Post isn’t making its coverage free in the times of COVID-19.
- Coronavirus stops the Kyiv Post’s print edition for now.
- Where to buy masks.
Effects on the economy:
- COVID-19 is already inflicting harm on Ukraine’s economy.
- Invisible Threat Lurks Undetected: Top stories from March 27, 2020 PDF edition.
- The former minister of economy says half a million Ukrainians may lose their jobs in the COVID-19 crisis.
