Shmygal explains logic behind tighter quarantine measures

Editor’s Note: As the novel coronavirus spreads in Ukraine, where it has infected 1,251 people and killed 32 as of April 5, the country has imposed strict quarantine measures that will last until April 24 and eventually can be extended until mid-May. Meanwhile, tighter restrictions that will come into force on April 6 raise many questions among Ukrainians, from “Why should one carry an ID?” to “Will it be possible to walk around my apartment building?”

The Kyiv Post translated Prime Minister Denys Shmygal’s statement made on April 4, in which he answers the most common questions about the quarantine measures.

Q: Why is it necessary to carry an ID when you go out?

 “Identification documents will allow police to check whether a person should be on self-isolation or in observation. This will also enable them to apply administrative liability in case if the quarantine rules are violated.”

(The violation of administrative law entails administrative penalties: warnings, fines, confiscations, deprivation of special rights, public works, and even administrative arrest.)

Q: Is it mandatory to wear a medical mask? 

“Considering the rapid spread of the coronavirus, every person can be regarded as potentially infected. One can contract the disease without showing any symptoms while putting other people at risk. A medical mask prevents the spread of the infection by reducing the number of biological material released into the air. Therefore, quarantine Resolution No. 211 obliges citizens to wear masks or respirator masks in all public places.

(Ukrainian law has no clear definition of “a public place.” The term is only mentioned in anti-tobacco legislation that describes it as a location to which all the public has access: entrances, underground passages, stadiums, parks, public gardens, playgrounds, public transport stops, elevators, government agencies, medical institutions and more. However, the government noted that the list of public places can be expanded by local authorities. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to wear medical masks outside the house, as one may accidentally end up in an area defined as “a public place.”)

Q: What is the responsibility for violating quarantine rules? Can one be fined for going to the park or walking around without a mask?

“Yes, he/she can be fined. There are two types of responsibilities for violating the quarantine rules: an administrative responsibility (a fine of Hr 17,000–Hr 34,000) and a criminal one (a fine of Hr 17,000–51,000 or imprisonment for up to three years).

Q: Who will ensure compliance with the quarantine measures? 

“It is the responsibility of the Interior Ministry and the National Guard.”

Q: Will it be possible to walk around my apartment building or house?

“It is not prohibited, but there are other restrictions: it is banned to gather in a group of more than two people and to go to parks or public gardens, recreation areas, etc.”

Q: Is it allowed to go outside with children? Is it allowed for children under 14 to go outside without a custodian?

“Children under the age of 14 are recommended to go out only with their parents or foster parents. Resolution No. 211 states that children are not allowed to go to public places without adults.”

Q: Is it allowed to go to a park or a public garden?

“No, it is not allowed from now on. Visits to parks, public gardens, recreation areas, forest parks, and coastal areas are prohibited. They are only allowed if one needs to walk a pet or in case of a work necessity.”

Q: How one can walk a pet now?

“Citizens are still allowed to walk their pets, but only in a group of two. Meanwhile, in parks, only one person is allowed to walk a pet.”

Q: Are churches closed during the quarantine?

“The government does not close the churches, but mass and religious gatherings are prohibited.”

Q: When will children attend school again?

“The quarantine measures will last until April 24, thus all educational institutions should provide opportunities for distance learning. Starting April 6, President (Volodymyr) Zelensky has launched an all-Ukrainian online school that is broadcast daily on the television and YouTube.”

Q: Is it true that shops, banks, and pharmacies have to provide medical masks or respirators to their visitors?

“No, it’s not true. Establishments and shops authorized to operate during the quarantine are only obliged to control that their visitors wear masks and respirators. People should have their own medical masks.”

Q: In what cases people over 60 are allowed to go outside?

“People over 60 should stay home. They are at high risk and therefore need self-isolation. Furthermore, the elderly should avoid coming into contact with others, except those with whom they live.”

Q: And if they don’t have younger people near to take care of them?

“In this case, people over 60 are allowed to visit shops and other places of commerce located within two kilometers of the place of their self-isolation. They are obliged to wear medical masks.

“The government has also instructed regional state administrations to arrange relevant social support for the elderly as well as for disabled citizens who live alone.”