Officially. Cabinet of Ministers announces lockdown dates in Ukraine in January

The Cabinet of Ministers has decided to impose strict quarantine in Ukraine from January 8 to January 24, 2021.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated this during a government meeting on December 9, but no decision has been passed yet.

"There are three weeks left until the end of the year, and the government has decided not to impose strict quarantine. But from January 8 to 24, quarantine restrictions will be toughened in Ukraine. Let's call them "Winter Vacations for Security," Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said.

Shmyhal noted that the authorities didn't consider it necessary to introduce a lockdown in December, given that there's a certain reduction in the incidence. According to the prime minister, it was made possible due to the weekend quarantine introduced in November and by fines that discipline Ukrainians to wear masks.

According to Shmyhal, the medical system is currently withstanding the load.

Here's what the government will ban during the lockdown:

• visiting educational institutions, EXCEPT preschool education and special institutions;
• work in cafes, bars, restaurants, EXCEPT work for takeaway and delivery;
• work in catering establishments at airports;
• work in shopping malls, entertainment establishments, EXCEPT for the work of grocery stores, pharmacies in shopping centers;
• work in beauty salons, fitness gyms, swimming pools, food, and non-food markets;
• holding mass events.

On the other hand, supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, post offices, and hotels are allowed to operate.

"It's done in order to prevent a new powerful wave of incidence, which may occur in particular after the New Year holidays. We will introduce increased quarantine restrictions in order to break the chain of incidence, which can be formed during the holidays," Shmyhal said.

Earlier, a document was published in the media, which listed possible lockdown bans.