COVID-19 in Ukraine: 535 dead, 18,616 cases, 325 new infections

The number of officially confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ukraine has reached 18,616 as of 9 a.m. on May 18, according to Ukraine’s health ministry. In total, 535 people have died from the disease in Ukraine and 5,276 patients have recovered.

In the past 24 hours, Ukraine has identified 325 new COVID-19 cases. 160 people have recovered and 21 people have died from the disease. The number of new cases has been decreasing for two consecutive days, but so has the number of people who have recovered.

Among the confirmed cases, 1,324 are children and 3,650  are medical workers, Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said during the morning briefing on May 18.

According to Stepanov, in the past 24 hours, Ukraine has carried out 5,298 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, the most accurate way of diagnosing COVID-19. In total, Ukraine has conducted 232,899 tests as of May 18.

Chernivtsi Oblast in western Ukraine remains the largest hotbed of the disease, with 2,713 confirmed cases. It is followed by the city of Kyiv with 2,321 cases, Kyiv Oblast with 1,224 cases and Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast with 1,221 cases. These numbers indicate the total cases confirmed since the beginning of the pandemic, not just active ones.

During the May 18 briefing, Stepanov also said he will sign a decree on launching mass mass antibody testing for COVID-19 today. This testing will be free for people with COVID-19 symptoms, those who came into contact with infected patients and people who are in risk groups, such as medical workers and the police.

Ukraine will also allow swimming as beach season is about to begin, Deputy Health Minister Viktor Lyashko, Ukraine’s top sanitary doctor, said at the briefing. According to experts, the combination of sun and salt water destroys the coronavirus, and it is difficult to get infected in rivers with running water, he said.

According to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine’s quarantine will be extended beyond its current expiration date on May 22. The country started lifting some of the quarantine restrictions on May 11-12.

Ukraine’s daily COVID-19 cases, deaths and recoveries from April 7 to May 17, 2020. All data were released by the Ministry of Health.

Ukraine’s daily new COVID-19 cases and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, the most accurate way of diagnosing the novel coronavirus, between April 7 and May 17, 2020. All data was published by the Ministry of Health.

Eased restrictions in Kyiv and Ukraine 

On May 4, the government announced the rollback of certain quarantine restrictions starting May 11-12. Businesses that were allowed to reopen in Kyiv include:

• hairdressers and beauty salons;
• all stores that are up to 300 square meters in area, but the number of customers inside simultaneously shouldn’t exceed one person per 10 square meters;
• restaurants will be allowed to sell take-out (although many were already doing it) and seat customers on summer terraces (provided they follow safety restrictions);
• manufacturing enterprises and businesses offering services (repairs, clothing ateliers, etc.); they will also need to ensure that no more than one person — either a client or an employee — per one square meter is inside the building at any time;
• the offices of lawyers and notaries.

Other cities in Ukraine may see even more restrictions lifted. The Cabinet of Ministers’ list of businesses that can reopen also includes shopping malls, kiosks (including those selling food and beverages), museums, libraries and dental clinics.

At the same time, gyms, fitness centers, food courts in shopping malls, universities, schools, kindergartens, cinemas and drama theaters will still remain closed across Ukraine.

On May 13, Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers increased the number of people that can walk in groups in public places and sit at the same table in outdoor restaurants, Stepanov announced. According to the new rules, groups of up to eight people are allowed together in public places, including in parks. Up to four people can sit together at restaurant tables. This decision should come into effect when the government publishes a decree in the coming days.

Starting May 22, Ukraine may enter into stage two of easing quarantine restrictions. The government will allow holding sporting events without spectators, opening all hotels except hostels and conducting external independent testing of school graduates, Stepanov announced on May 14.

Special measures in Chernivtsi Oblast

In Chernivtsi Oblast, the region worst hit by COVID-19, local authorities decided on May 12 to extend the ban on opening non-essential stores, dental practices, children’s playgrounds and outdoor gyms. They also continue to require wearing medical masks in public places.

At the same time, the oblast has allowed cafes and restaurants to resume takeout and delivery service and museums, law and notary offices and psychology practices to reopen.

Public transportation  

Ukraine will gradually reintroduce public transportation in Ukrainian cities starting May 11, even though the quarantine is scheduled to last until May 22. However, the government has not specified what kind of transport will relaunch. Health Minister Stepanov said on May 6 that it is up to city mayors to decide.

In Kyiv, only the number of trams and trolleys will be increased, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

Subways in three Ukrainian cities, including the Kyiv Metro, may not operate until mid-summer, according to Shmyhal.

Global virus outbreak

Globally, COVID-19 has infected over 4.8 million people. In total, 316,732 people have died as of the morning of May 18; 1.86 million patients have recovered.