COVID-19 in Ukraine: 476 dead, 17,330 cases, 483 new infections

The number of officially confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ukraine has reached 17,330 as of 9 a.m. on May 15, according to Ukraine’s health ministry. In total, 476 people have died from the disease in Ukraine and 4,473 patients have recovered.

In the past 24 hours, Ukraine has identified 476 new COVID-19 cases and 330 people have recovered.

Among the confirmed cases, 1,220 are children and 3,420 are medical workers, Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said during the morning briefing on May 15.

According to Stepanov, Ukraine has carried out 211,614 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, the most accurate way of diagnosing COVID-19, of which a record 8,996 tests were conducted in the past 24 hours.

Ukraine has been identifying from 400 to 600 new COVID-19 cases per day for more than three weeks, Stepanov said on May 13.

Chernivtsi Oblast in western Ukraine remains the largest hotbed of the disease, with 2,600 confirmed cases. It is followed by the city of Kyiv with 2,068 cases and Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast with 1,188 cases. These numbers indicate the total cases confirmed since the beginning of the pandemic, not just active ones.

Ukraine reported the largest single-day number of new COVID-19 cases — 578 — on April 22.

During the May 15 briefing, Stepanov announced that the government plans to increase salaries for all medical workers by up to 50% starting in July this year.

According to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, the country’s quarantine will be extended beyond its current expiration date on May 22.

Ukraine’s daily COVID-19 cases, deaths and recoveries from April 7 to May 14, 2020. All data were released by the Ministry of Health. (Bermet Talant)

Ukraine’s daily new COVID-19 cases and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, the most accurate way of diagnosing the novel coronavirus, between April 7 and May 14, 2020. All data was published by the Ministry of Health. (Bermet Talant)

Eased restrictions in Kyiv and Ukraine 

On May 4, the government  announced a major rollback of some quarantine restrictions starting May 11-12 that included summer terraces of cafes and parts of shopping malls.

The businesses that were allowed to open in Kyiv include:

• hairdressers and beauty salons;

• all stores that are up to 300 square meters in area, but the number of customers inside simultaneously shouldn’t exceed one person per 10 square meters;

• restaurants will be allowed to sell take-out (although many were already doing it) and seat customers on summer terraces (provided they follow safety restrictions);

• manufacturing enterprises and businesses offering services (repairs, clothing ateliers, etc.); they will also need to ensure that no more than one person — either a client or an employee — per one square meter is inside the building at any time;

• the offices of lawyers and notaries.

Other cities in Ukraine may see even more restrictions lifted. The Cabinet of Ministers’ list of businesses that can reopen also includes shopping malls, kiosks (including those selling food and beverages), museums, libraries and dentistry practices.

At the same time, gyms, fitness centers, food courts in shopping malls, universities, schools, kindergartens, cinemas and drama theaters will still remain closed across Ukraine.

On May 13, Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers increased the number of people that can walk in groups in public places and sit at the same table in outdoor restaurants, Stepanov announced. According to the new rules, groups of up to eight people are allowed together in public places, including in parks. Up to four people can sit together at restaurant tables. This decision should come into effect when the government publishes a decree in the coming days.

Starting May 22, Ukraine may enter into stage two of easing quarantine restrictions. The government will allow holding sporting event without spectators, opening all hotels except hostels and conducting external independent testing of school graduates, Stepanov announced on May 14.

Special measures in Chernivtsi Oblast

In Chernivtsi Oblast, the region worst hit by COVID-19, local authorities decided on May 12 to extend the ban on opening non-essential stores, dental practices, children’s playgrounds and outdoor gyms. They also continue to require masks in public places.

At the same time, the oblast has allowed cafes and restaurants to resume takeout and delivery service and museums, law and notary offices and psychology practices to reopen.

Public transportation  

Ukraine will gradually reintroduce public transportation in Ukrainian cities starting May 11, even though the quarantine is scheduled to last until May 22. However, the government has not specified what kind of transport will relaunch. Health Minister Stepanov said on May 6 that it is up to city mayors to decide.

In Kyiv, only the number of trams and trolleys will be increased, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

Subways in three Ukrainian cities, including the Kyiv Metro, may not operate until mid-summer, according to Shmyhal.

Global virus outbreak

Globally, COVID-19 has infected over 4.53 million people. In total, 303,438 people have died as of the morning of May 15; 1.71 million patients have recovered.