Authorities in the Ukrainian capital will organize a free distribution of gauze masks to prevent the spread of the flu virus. Authorities in the Ukrainian capital will organize a free distribution of gauze masks to prevent the spread of the flu virus.

According to deputy mayor Irena Kilchytskaya, Kyiv will receive 300, 000 of square meters of gauze fabric from government reserve stocks. City authorities say that at least 25 enterprises agreed to produce the masks for free. Masks will be distributed via social services or housing offices.

Kilchytskaya said that low-income residents get masks first. Eventually, she hopes all of Kyiv's 2.7 million official registered residents will get one. Medical staff at hospitals will receive masks also. An estimated 200, 000 masks will be
provided to medical personnel, free of charge, from the Health Ministry.