Several hundred entrepreneurs took part in a rally near the building of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on April 29. The businesspeople demanded more government support for small businesses, equal working conditions for all companies, and an easing of Ukraine’s coronavirus lockdown imposed in March to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Ukraine.
The lockdown is projected to last until May 11. Meanwhile, all cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, markets, hairdressers, gyms, cinemas and theaters remain closed. This has resulted in more than half of Ukrainians earning significantly less money lately: 16% of Ukrainians have temporarily lost their source of income, 38% are being paid less and 14% lost their jobs outright, according to polling company Info Sapiens.
With the government asking the public to stay at home, only a quarter of Ukrainians continues to work remotely and earn a regular salary, the poll by Info Sapiens reads.
Ukraine’s businesses, in turn, are expecting to see their income drop by over 50% on average as a result of the coronavirus crisis, according to a survey by pollster Advanter Group.
Ukraine’s government did not respond directly to the protesters, but Prime Minister Denys Shmygal announced earlier that the lockdown would be lifted gradually when the time was right.
As of April 29, Ukraine has reported 9,866 COVID-19 cases, including 250 deaths.
CORONAVIRUS IN UKRAINE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- As of April 29: 250 people have died from COVID-19 in Ukraine; 1,103 people have recovered.
- 9,866 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of April 29. The first case was identified on March 3.
- Ukraine has extended its quarantine measures until May 11. The government outlined a plan to ease restrictions gradually.
- The measures shuttered most everything but hospitals, supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, gas stations, and other critical enterprises.
- How the Ukrainian government has been responding: TIMELINE
- Misinformation on coronavirus is going viral in Ukraine.
- Doctor’s advice: How to stay safe.
- Foreign Ministry: What you need to know about traveling to and from Ukraine now
- Why the Kyiv Post isn’t making its coverage free in the times of COVID-19.
- Coronavirus stops the Kyiv Post’s print edition for now.
- Where to buy masks.
Effects on the economy:
- COVID-19 is already inflicting harm on Ukraine’s economy.
- The former minister of economy says half a million Ukrainians may lose their jobs in the COVID-19 crisis.
