Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers has approved new pandemic restrictions starting on Dec. 19 to prevent further spread of COVID-19, the government announced in a press release on Dec. 14.
In addition to the current quarantine measures, the government imposed five new rules. Ukraine will now forbid:
- holding mass events in educational institutions that involve more than one group or class and/or visitors.
- holding celebrations, banquets, master classes and public events in entertainment venues and restaurants.
- having more than one person per 10 square meters in museums, exhibitions, galleries, etc.
- restaurants working from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Payment transactions in restaurants will be allowed until 10 p.m. (This will be extended to 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve.)
- holding religious events indoors with more than one person per 5 square meters or outdoors if there is not 1.5 meter in between participants.
Previous restrictions also remain in force. In particular, Ukrainians must wear masks in public transport and public spaces and carry identification when outside their homes. The number of passengers in all public transport besides the metro must be limited to the number of available seats. Cinemas and other cultural venues can only be filled to half-capacity, while gyms and fitness centers can operate if they have less than one person per 20 square meters.
On Nov. 17, 2020 the Verkhovna Rada adopted a decree requiring the government to warn Ukrainians no fewer than seven days in advance about the introduction of new quarantine restrictions. In particular, this law applies to restrictions on educational institutions, cultural venues, eateries, shopping malls, shops or any ban on leaving one’s home.
