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On July 28, the European Business Association held an online meeting with Viktor Liashko, Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine – Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine. Together with Mr. Liashko and other representatives of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the business community discussed a number of topical issues regarding the work of businesses during the quarantine.<\/p>\n
According to the Chief Sanitary Doctor, the state is currently trying to reach the optimal balance to ensure both population and economic health. Thus, the adaptive quarantine regime will continue. From August 1, Ukraine will be divided into four quarantine zones (green, yellow, orange, and red) depending on the epidemiological situation. Further mitigation of adaptive quarantine will be possible if there are fewer than 24 cases per 100,000 population detected within a week. It should be noted that there are no statistics on re-infection with COVID-19 in Ukraine. Meanwhile, there is no scientific evidence of acquired immunity or re-infection cases.<\/p>\n
The Chief Sanitary Doctor explained that the requirements for holding mass cultural events will depend on the abovementioned epidemiological zones. At the same time, the Ministry of Health is ready to consider reasoned proposals from business representatives to optimize certain quarantine rules, namely, for hairdressers and beauty salons (for example, regarding the use of disposable capes). It is worth noting that the business community has already sent these proposals. However, they will be resubmitted to Mr. Liashko for the prompt consideration. Also, the unified temporary recommendations with the latest updated version of rules for all economic activities will be shortly published on the website of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.<\/p>\n
At the same time, the business raised questions about the regulation established by the Kyiv City State Administration for certain categories of business to open from 10.00 (for example, retail). Thus, it was reported that businesses can start operating from 9.00 or 10.00 on the recommendation of the local authorities (in this context, relugations of local authorities overrule resolutions of the CMU). However, these authorities must ensure the efficient operation of public transport.<\/p>\n
Besides, it was announced that a resolution on the work of educational institutions during quarantine will be published this week. Thus, kindergartens will continue to operate as usual. Meanwhile, schools will open from September 1 across territories of Ukraine, except for the red zones.<\/p>\n
The companies asked for instructions in case their employees patient is detected with coronavirus infection, as well as the specifications regarding special testing permits. Thus, according to Mr. Liashko, the company does not need to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Health to conduct mass testing of employees. If an employee is diagnosed with COVID-19, they need to contact their healthcare provider, who will notify accredited laboratory centers on the case. However, it is necessary to improve the electronic system for establishing contact persons, because the decision for self-isolation and hospitalization of employees is based on these data. According to Mr. Liashko, the Ministry of Digital Transformation is developing a new modern product that will soon be presented to the business community.<\/p>\n
The business also had many questions regarding the rail transportation of passengers during the quarantine. Thus, Ukrzaliznytsia trains continue to run in normal or limited modes depending on the epidemiological situation of the region. The maximum number of seats in trains should be sold depending on the certification of seats in the car. At the same time, it should be noted that the safety of staying in public places depends, to a large extent, on the compliance with the relevant standards of personal protection. So, if possible, it is better to refrain from traveling.<\/p>\n
There was also a discussion regarding non-coronavirus issues, such as the introduction of electronic services, registration of disinfectants, ARV drugs, etc. Thus, it is currently planned to expand the list of permitting procedures of the Ministry of Health, which will be subjected to digitalization. Mr. Liashko also added that the Ministry of Health is closely cooperating with the Ministry of Digital Transformation in this area.<\/p>\n
Regarding the registration of disinfectants, such a procedure is currently carried out under the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of March 25, 2020, \u2116 232 “On Amendments to Clause 4 of the Procedure for State Registration (Re-registration) of Disinfectants”, which provides for registration of disinfectants upon the positive conclusions of the epidemiological examination. Separately, Mr. Lyashko stated that shortly it is planned to develop a new procedure based on the respective EU directive. Therefore, he invited business representatives to join the process and submit their proposals.<\/p>\n
The Chief Sanitary Doctor also stated that in 2020 the ARV drugs will be purchased with state funds through the State Enterprise “Medical Procurement of Ukraine”. Thus, this week the passport of budget programs is to be approved, and then the Order on the volume of purchases of ARV drugs will be drafted on its basis.<\/p>\n
The European Business Association thanks Mr. Liashko for the meeting and hopes for further effective dialogue!<\/p>\n
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