Ukraine's leading English-language newspaper since 1995

What do you think of the way government authorities are reacting to the flu epidemic?

Lyudmyla Leonenko

Senior researcher

“The reaction of our government is inadequate and it’s all due to the presidential elections. We have flu epidemics every year. But only this time there is big fuss about it and every candidate is trying to gain political ratings with their reactions towards swine flu. There is obviously an epidemic in Ukraine now, but not as big as [Prime Minister Yulia] Tymoshenko portrays.”



Alisa Andreyva

Student

“Authorities obviously exaggerate the swine flu epidemic, but I still don’t feel comfortable about it. My boyfriend and I have been searching for the masks all day today, but no pharmacies have them. I will use my scarf instead of the mask and I hope it will help”.



Nadiya Serova

Bank cashier

“As everyone in Ukraine, I tried to buy a mask and antiviral medications, but failed as there aren’t any at the pharmacies. But the truth of the matter is every Ukrainian can buy gauze and sew this mask themselves in five minutes. I am appalled by the fact that people don’t wear masks in public transportation. That’s irresponsible towards yourself and others around you.”



Bronislava Iosifova

Pensioner

“I don’t think there is any epidemic. What are you talking about? The schools are closed and children and teachers will have to work hard to catch up with their programs. What for? Just to satisfy some whims of the greedy politicians?”



Yuriy Rydvan

Student

“They are acting very adequately: Tymoshenko informs the public about Tamiflu. Medical specialists talk about masks and medicines. I think they didn’t expect this epidemic and are doing their best in the circumstances given.”