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HEALTH-VIRUS-UKRAINE-MEASURES
Ukraine capital to close schools over coronavirus
KIEV, March 11, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Ukraine’s capital Kiev announced Wednesday
it was closing schools and universities until the end of March to prevent the
spread of the novel coronavirus.
“We are introducing preventive measures in Kiev as of March 12,” mayor
Vitaly Klitschko said, saying classes would be suspended in schools and
universities until the end of March.
Kindergartens, movie theatres and entertainment centres will also be
closed and mass events cancelled, Klitschko said on Facebook.
“Even though not a single case of the coronavirus has been registered in
Kiev, we have decided not to wait and protect the residents of the city,” the
mayor said.
The measure concerns about 113,000 children in kindergartens and 308,000
primary and secondary school students, a representative of the mayor’s office
told AFP.
The Ukrainian government is expected to announce similar measures across
the country later Wednesday.
Ukrainian authorities have so far announced just one confirmed case of the
novel virus, but there is widespread concern in the country as many
Ukrainians work in European nations affected by the virus, including Italy.
BSS/AFP/ARS/1714 hrs