Ukraine introduces 'weekend quarantine' till Nov 30

KIEV - The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine decided to introduce a "weekend quarantine" in the country from Nov 14 to 30, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said in his official Telegram channel on Wednesday.

Shmyhal explained that an exponential increase in the number of COVID-19 cases has recently imposed enormous pressure on the country's medical system. He warned that if the authorities do not act, hospitals will not be able to receive patients, because "there will be no seats even in the corridors."

Shmyhal noted that the Ukrainian economy would not stand a complete lockdown. In this case, the government has developed a balanced version of additional restrictions.

According to the "weekend quarantine", mass events with over 20 people, planned hospitalizations and work at entertaining facilities will be prohibited on weekends until Nov. 30 in Ukraine.

A total of 489,808 COVID-19 cases, with 8,947 deaths, have been registered in Ukraine as of Wednesday, while 221,459 patients have recovered, according to the country's health ministry.