Ukraine extends quarantine until May 22, but will ease restrictions.

Ukraine’s government has extended the coronavirus quarantine until May 22, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal announced on May 4 during a Cabinet meeting.

Previously, the quarantine was scheduled to end on May 11.

Despite the extension, some restrictions will be eased in a concession to the business community. According to Shmygal, the following enterprises will be allowed to reopen on May 11:

· parks, recreation areas;
· beauty salons, hairdressers;
· museums, libraries;
· summer terraces and takeout service at cafes and restaurants;
· shopping malls, but not everything in them. Restrictions will be lifted for wholesale and retail sales of the non-food goods in  malls, but all entertainment facilities will remain closed;
· dentists;
· auditors, attorneys, notaries;
· service centers for household appliances.
· domestic services (dry cleaning, clothing and shoes repair shops, etc.).

The following enterprises will remain closed: most public transportation, intercity and foreign travel by train and air, indoor cafes and restaurants, schools and universities. Borders will remain closed, except for Ukrainians returning to the country.

During the Cabinet meeting, Health Minister Maksym Stepanov termed the loosening of quarantine measures “risky,” as the country has not yet observed a decrease in COVID-19 cases.  He also called for strict requirements for social distancing and personal protection measures in the businesses that will now be allowed to reopen.