Coronavirus in Ukraine: When New Quarantine Rules Will Take Effect and How They Will Work

COVID certificates will allow the economy to keep functioning.

The Health Ministry has published a detailed explanation of new restrictions in each of Ukraine's quarantine zones. Here is when they will take effect and how they will work. 

What restrictions apply in each zone

The "green" level (all of Ukraine) includes mandatory mask-wearing in public places and on public transport. 

The "yellow" level (all of Ukraine):

• mass events involving more than one person per 4 m² of a building or territory are banned
• cinema halls and other cultural venues may be filled to no more than 50% of seats
• gyms and fitness centers may admit no more than one person per 10 m²
• educational institutions are barred from operating, except those where at least 80% of staff hold a "yellow" or "green" COVID certificate

The "orange" level (regions):

• restrictions and norms of the "yellow" level apply
• local authorities may introduce additional restrictions

The "red" level (regions):

• food service establishments are barred from operating, except for delivery to an address and takeaway orders
• shopping and entertainment centers and cinemas are barred from operating
• non-food markets and shops, gyms, swimming pools and fitness centers are barred from operating
• educational institutions are barred from operating, except those where 100% of staff hold a "green" COVID certificate
• mass events are banned, except for official sporting events and team sports matches held without spectators
• cultural institutions are barred from operating, except for historical and cultural reserves, and film and video shooting is banned
• accommodation providers (hostels, hotels) are barred from operating

COVID certificates

Domestic COVID certificates can be obtained through the Diia app, or downloaded and printed as a paper version via the portal. 

The certificates can be used within Ukraine's borders if quarantine restrictions are tightened. This will allow the economy to keep functioning and keep the spread of the virus under control. 

The "yellow" certificate can be obtained after the first dose of a coronavirus vaccine. It will be valid for 120 days. With it, educational, entertainment and food service institutions and gyms will be able to avoid quarantine restrictions in the "yellow" zone. 

The "green" certificate can be obtained immediately after the second dose of a coronavirus vaccine, or 14 days after a single-dose vaccine. It indicates full immune protection and will be valid for 365 days. 

Such certificates will make it possible to avoid restrictions in "red" zones. Food service establishments will not be closed provided that all staff and visitors hold "green" certificates at 100%. 

When the new rules will take effect

The Cabinet of Ministers published a resolution on September 13 that updated quarantine rules and introduced "yellow" and "green" certificates. The new norms will take effect on September 20. 

The key change is that businesses in the "yellow" zone were allowed to decide independently whether to serve only vaccinated people or everyone, subject to the zone's restrictions. Certificates that can be obtained after one dose and after a full course of vaccination are also being introduced. 

Health Minister Viktor Liashko said that on September 20-21 the National Commission for Technogenic and Environmental Safety and Emergencies may consider introducing the "yellow" level across all of Ukraine, as there are all grounds for it. 

Viktor Liashko
Health Minister of Ukraine

The National Commission for Technogenic and Environmental Safety and Emergencies (TEB and ES) may declare the "yellow" level of epidemic danger for Ukraine as a whole. Today we have exceeded some indicators, which allow us to convene the commission and declare the "yellow" level of epidemic danger. However, the government amended the adaptive quarantine resolution on Monday, and it may take effect seven days after adoption. Therefore, the question of moving the entire country to the "yellow" level of epidemic danger will be decided on Monday or Tuesday of next week. 

He added that after the "yellow" zone is introduced, indicators of coronavirus incidence in the regions will continue to be monitored. The national-level commission will recommend assigning individual regions to one level or another. 

Liashko noted that it is possible to lift all quarantine restrictions if Ukrainians get vaccinated.