During a video address to the nation on the evening of Friday March 13, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the country to ready itself for the worsening novel coronavirus pandemic and the possibility of more cases in Ukraine. He also explained how his government was preparing the country and its institutions. Here is most of his speech, translated into English and with reporting from Interfax-Ukraine:
Ukrainians coming home:
Zelensky called on all citizens of Ukraine who want to return to their homeland to do this within three days, before regular air services will be completely closed.
“Those who departed from Ukraine by charter flights on a tourist trip will definitely return home according to the schedule. Concerning other citizens of Ukraine. Three days later, we will close regular air traffic. You should return home within this period,” he said.
Everyone who returns will undergo a medical examination. In case of detection of symptoms of the disease, they will be sent for observation. Holders of Ukrainian residency permits can also return.
Zelensky noted that those who do not or cannot return now should contact the Ukrainian consulate. “In cooperation with Ukrainian airlines, they will be returned home by non-scheduled flights,” he stressed, adding that his citizens should refrain from traveling abroad unless absolutely necessary
Border checkpoints, cargo:
Cargo checkpoints at the state border will continue to operate, and freight transport crews will be checked with express tests to detect COVID-19 coronavirus.
“Cargo checkpoints – air, railway, sea and automobile – will continue to operate. Crews of ships, airplanes, trucks can enter Ukraine and are obliged to undergo medical verification with rapid tests,” he said. Earlier there had been confusion as to whether foreign truck drivers could cross the border.
More support for hospitals:
Medical facilities in each region of Ukraine will be fully provided with rapid tests to determine the signs of COVID-19 coronavirus, he said, and the government will allocate money for personal protective equipment.
“In the near future, infectious disease healthcare facilities in each region of Ukraine will be fully equipped with express test kits to detect symptoms of coronavirus. Due to the order of the Cabinet of Ministers UAH 100 million have already been allocated for personal protective equipment. If necessary, UAH 500 million will be immediately allocated for the purchase of intensive care medical equipment under the accelerated procedure,” he added.
the Institute of Molecular Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine will produce 200,000 rapid tests as soon as possible and 10 million masks have been transferred from the state reserve to healthcare facilities. Mobile laboratories will be used for testing in the regions of Ukraine.
Intensive care beds:
Zelensky said that over 12,000 beds in infectious hospitals have been prepared for the reception of COVID-19 patients: “There are more than 12,000 hospital beds available in the infectious disease hospitals to handle complex cases, about 2,000 infectious disease physicians and more than 5,000 nursing staff,” he said.
The president stressed that measures are being taken to maximize the ability of hospitals to receive the required number of patients for intensive care, and there are negotiations underway with international partners on the provision of humanitarian aid, including medical equipment.
“Customs service of Ukraine is commissioned to carry out the clearance of such goods quickly, not more than in one day,” he noted, referring to medical supplies.
Financial aid:
On the subject of humanitarian aid, he also said he would stand with the Ukrainian people and their businesses, but did not elaborate on the details much: “The National Bank of Ukraine agreed to support my initiative and develop a program of measures to provide credit support to the business and population of Ukraine,” the president said.
Supplies for pharmacies:
Zelensky assured that pharmacies will have masks, disinfectants and other necessary means in sufficient quantities and at affordable prices, and urged not to use COVID-19 coronavirus for profit.
“We had a conversation with manufacturers, suppliers and pharmacists. There are things you cannot make money off. This is war and people’s health. Therefore, masks, disinfectants, tests and other necessary means will be on the shelves of pharmacies in sufficient quantity and at an affordable price,” he said, adding that the state would economically stimulate production of personal protective equipment.
“I also urge suppliers and retailers not to drive up grocery prices or make money off people,” he added.
Work from home:
“I personally ask business executives – if possible, allow your employees to work at home, remotely. Especially those who have children and who cannot leave them because of quarantine at schools and kindergartens,” the president said.
Military to be protected:
Zelensky has emphasized that Ukrainian soldiers will be protected as much as possible from the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic: “Particular attention is paid to the health of our military. They will be maximally secured and protected. They protect our country from the virus of encroachment on our territories. We will protect them from all other viruses,” he said.
Keep calm, isolate if sick:
“A lot depends on each of us. Everyone who has even mild symptoms of the disease must isolate himself for a minimum of seven days and consult a general practitioner,” the president said.
Zelensky called on Ukrainians to take simple measures: wash your hands with soap. thoroughly and for more than 30 seconds, use a disinfectant; greet each other without shaking hands or kissing each other’s cheeks; keep one meter distance.
“Keep in mind that buckwheat, matches and toilet paper do not save you from coronavirus. Critical thinking, cool head and hygiene measures are required. Among other things, information hygiene is needed. Do not be driven by the provocations of Internet scammers who want to incite panic among us, among Ukrainians. The panic virus is worse than coronavirus,” he said.
“We have experienced many things. We have not been overcome by bird flu, swine flu and Spanish flu. We are strong, and everything will be fine,” he concluded.
CORONAVIRUS IN UKRAINE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- There have been five confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine. The first case was identified in Ukraine on March 3.
- One person died from the COVID-19 in Ukraine.
- Ukraine shut schools and canceled mass events starting March 12 to prevent the disease’s spread. Some schools resisted.
- Here’s how Kyiv is affected.
- Doctor’s advice: How to stay safe.
- Ukrainians evacuated from the disease’s epicenter in Wuhan, China spent two weeks in quarantine in a sanatorium in Poltava Oblast and were released on March 5. Their arrival in Ukraine caused unrest.
Effects on economy:
- Here’s what the virus is doing to Ukraine’s economy.
- Ukrainian businesses respond to the crisis.
- The virus disrupts the transport sector. Ukrainian airlines canceled some flights to 16 countries due to the novel coronavirus.
The National Bank of Ukraine continued to cut the policy rate while trying to buffer the hryvnia from coronavirus panic.
