The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) has refuted media reports falsely alleging that an SMM monitoring officer has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) disease.
“The monitoring officer in question, in line with SMM medical protocols related to movement across the contact line, did in fact undergo 14-day self-isolation and take a PCR test immediately prior to crossing the contact line, which gave a negative result. He also underwent an additional rapid test on the 14th day of his crossing of the line of contact, which again proved negative. On the 18th day of his stay in non-government-controlled areas, on precautionary medical grounds, he was relocated to a government-controlled area, where he underwent another PCR test on August 13; the result is negative,” the OSCE press service said.
According to the statement, the SMM applies rigorous preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.
“The mission will continue to adhere to all measures in place both to protect its own staff and to minimize risk to the local population,” the OSCE said.
