The Ukrainian parliament has passed a law that will allow police, local authorities and representatives of Ukraine’s epidemiological agency to impose fines for not wearing a mask in public transport and buildings or businesses open to the broader public.
During a Nov. 6 vote in the Verkhovna Rada, 262 lawmakers supported the law.
Under the new rules, people who fail to wear a mask covering their mouth and nose can be fined between Hr 170 ($6) and Hr 225 ($9) on the spot by police and other local authorities.
Unlike in the past, the fine will not require a court ruling to be imposed, a process that was cumbersome and led to very few fines actually being handed down.
“As a result, we have less than 5% or 3% of fines actually being imposed on citizens or organizations,” Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said on Nov. 5.
Read more: Ukraine to introduce new restrictions, but no lockdown, as COVID-19 outlook worsens
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal initiated the bill on July 17. It then languished in the Verkhovna Rada for nearly four months as daily COVID-19 infections and deaths increased rapidly and mask-wearing remained haphazard. Finally, on Nov. 4, the relevant parliamentary committee approved the bill for a vote.
“This is an unpopular measure, but we really need it due to the significant increase in the incidence rate,” Stepanov said during a briefing on Oct. 31 where he called for the bill’s adoption.
“It is important for us to stop the spread of the coronavirus infection, and this is possible only if anti-epidemic rules are followed. Wearing masks, using antiseptic and keeping a safe distance: These three simple rules reduce the risk of infection.”
Starting on Nov. 9, all Ukrainian regions will be categorized as either in the “red” or “orange” quarantine zones. There are no longer any places in the “green” or “yellow” zone.
Kyiv remains in the “orange” zone.
