The decision to suspend passage of citizens across the delimitation line has been made due to the unfavorable situation with the spread of COVID-19 in Ukraine, the Inter-Agency Operational Headquarters for the Prevention of Importation and Spread of COVID-19 reported.
“Ukraine is experiencing a very unfavorable epidemiological situation, the number of cases of COVID-19 is growing rapidly, record high morbidity and mortality are reported. According to the statements from Ukrainian officials, the second surge of the disease is gaining momentum. For the safety of our citizens and to prevent proliferation of the coronavirus infection among the DPR residents, Head of the Republic Denis Pushilin signed the Decree 206 of June 27, which suspends passage across the border with Ukraine,” the message says.
“As of June 30, 44,334 cases of the coronavirus infection have been registered in Ukraine, the number of new cases grows daily. 39 people were diagnosed coronavirus on June 28 in Slavyansk alone. If the borders had been open, the situation with the spread of COVID-19 in the territory of the Republic would have gotten out of control. We shall not put the lives and health of our citizens at undue risk,” the headquarters stated.
At the same time, appeals from citizens who have ended up in difficult circumstances will be considered by the Inter-Agency Operational Headquarters based on the procedure established earlier. Appeals will be accepted if there is one of the grounds: treatment, illness of a close relative or the need to care for them, as well as registration in the territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic.