Ukraine needs a tougher model of adaptive quarantine - Shmyhal
The Cabinet of Ministers doesn't plan to introduce lockdown quarantine in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated this during an hour of questions to the government in the Verkhovna Rada.
"Is it possible to return to the full country lockdown now? There's no such option on the table now. Adaptive quarantine is the best model … I want to stress once again that the government is not considering complete quarantine. The Ministry of Health is considering additional restrictions for a certain period. But it won't be a complete and permanent ban," Shmyhal said.
According to him, they discuss introducing liability for not wearing masks.
The Prime Minister stressed that Ukraine won't introduce a full lockdown: "We don't have the right, and cannot afford a full lockdown, and business shutdown. In order to break the chain, we need to use existing measures of adaptive quarantine."
According to Shmyhal, the government holds daily consultations with European countries. And the communication shows the obvious that the Ukrainian model of adaptive quarantine justifies itself the most.
"We consult with our European colleagues every day. These are both epidemiologists and government officials from France, Germany, and other European countries. We are in full contact. Today all governments are looking for the most effective models. The Ukrainian model of adaptive quarantine, as we see from the situation, has justified itself the most. We don't have case growth as active and great as some of our neighbors have. Therefore, we also share our own experiences. European countries also use our experience," Prime Minister said.
Meanwhile, according to Shmyhal, Ukraine needs a stricter model of adaptive quarantine.
"As for how we will move forward. Adaptive quarantine works, but we need additional, perhaps more stringent measures. We will turn to them," the prime minister said.
According to Shmyhal, they will implement such measures after consultations at the level of the Ministry of Health and the Verkhovna Rada.
Regarding the so-called "weekend quarantine," the Prime Minister noted that it's being discussed at the level of various working parties and experts.
"If we approach this issue, the Ministry of Health will inform and consult on such an initiative with people's deputies and scientific institutions," Shmyhal said.
He added that issues related to applying restrictions are resolved jointly with local authorities. According to the head of the government, local authorities are aware of their responsibility and don't ignore the government's recommendations.
"If the authorities ask not to impose any restrictions, they take responsibility for the consequences," Shmyhal said.
