Kyiv mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has announced the tightening of quarantine rules in the capital.
"I appeal to the people of Kyiv. We live in new realities, which many, unfortunately, have not yet understood. The coronavirus infection is spreading rapidly, and the restrictive measures introduced are far from being respected by all Kyivans and enterprises. Realizing the seriousness of the situation and the possible consequences for the health and life of people, the city authorities are forced to introduce more stringent restrictions," Klitschko said in a video message on 21 March.
He said that these restrictions would be based in part on the experience of the Chinese city of Wuhan, the hotbed of the coronavirus infection. According to him, one of the main Chinese recommendations is to limit contacts between people and isolate the population at home as much as possible.
"The circle of contacts per carrier is from 35 to 100 people. That is why the virus spreads so fast. Under these conditions, we must apply more effective measures to limit social contacts in our city. Therefore, from Monday, 23 March, the capital’s public transport will only carry the passengers who will go to work at enterprises that provide for critical sectors of our lives," he said.
This category includes:
- health workers;
- rescuers;
- law enforcement officers;
- housing and utility services workers;
- grocery store employees;
- pharmacy staff;
- workers of strategic enterprises.
Special passes for travel in public transport are being issued.
“Everyone else will not be able to use public transport for the time being. I understand that this is a very unpopular step, but now I’m not up to ratings, not populism. The main thing is to keep the situation and win time. Do not let the virus engulf the capital,” Klitschko said.
According to him, the National Police will control the use of public transport.
Restrictions on the movement of personal vehicles have not yet been introduced.
At the same time, the mayor urged Kyiv residents to stay at home. “You don’t need to have barbecues in parks, take children to playgrounds, or take walks in groups in the streets. Your health is in your hands,” Klitschko said.