Cabinet explains public transport curbs amid possible lockdown in Jan 2021

Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers Oleh Nemchinov says public transport will operate during a possible lockdown, which is proposed to be introduced in early January 2021, but with significant restrictions.

He made the comment on the air of the Ukraine 24 TV channel.

According to the minister, if the lockdown is introduced for Ukrainian citizens, no ban will be imposed on crossing in or out of the country. Also, no restrictions on international traffic are in the works.

When asked why, during a possible tough quarantine in January, it is proposed that public municipal and intercity transportation services be allowed despite many passengers defying the mask mandate, he said: "We never stop driving cars because of accidents. In this case, it's more of a matter of self-control. The proposals that we voiced [...] are related to the actual use of [public] transport means, but with even greater restrictions, using seated capacity only."

"You remember the onset of quarantine in Ukraine... And what an issue it was to ensure transportation of medics and relevant personnel who remained working [on the front line of COVID-19 crisis response]," he said.

Read alsoChance for revival of Ukraine's river transport: New legislation brings new incentives"In this regard, epidemiologists have considered various options and proposed, with significant restrictions, to allow municipal transportation services and passenger transportation between regions or commuter transport operations be allowed," he added.

Winter lockdown prospects in Ukraine

• On December 4, Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said the ministry would propose to the government to introduce strict quarantine with maximum restrictions, starting from early January for three weeks.
• At the same time, President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had recommended that Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal not introduce a lockdown in December.
• Shmyhal said a tough lockdown would have to be introduced in Ukraine in January.