Minister Kryklii assures public transport will work during new lockdown

Ukrainian Minister Vladyslav Kryklii says that during consultations on a stricter quarantine, shutting down public transportation services is not on the table.

He announced this on Channel 1+1, according to the TV news service outlet TSN

"Even those countries that have imposed some restrictions on the work of various industries, transport remains functioning. This is primarily an artery for the economy. Otherwise, it is difficult to maintain business activity. I will insist on keeping transport working," Kryklii said.

Read alsoMP explains curbs on passenger flights amid possible lockdown in Ukraine

He clarified this would concern any type of transportation services: urban, intraregional, intercity transport and the railways will work. Domestic flights will not be canceled; as for international flights, it will depend on the situation in another country.

"Individual cases are possible, but they were not considered. Consultations are continuing on the introduction of a stricter quarantine, but there are no final dates," he said.

When asked who will have the right to use transport, the minister said: "Do you remember how it [transportation] was limited at the beginning, when critical infrastructure was functioning? It is necessary to have a rational approach. Conditionally, if one does not need to go to work because it is a quarantine or to a shopping mall because it is closed, then the load on transport is less. Therefore, people will move mainly for business needs."

Lockdown in Ukraine: Background

• According to certain media outlets, the strict quarantine may be introduced in Ukraine in December.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's spokesperson Yulia Mendel says there is a possibility of introducing a lockdown nationwide, but its date is still unknown.
• Members of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction explained that it was quite difficult to impose significant restrictions on public transportation services during the lockdown since this requires the development of a system of special passes.