From November 1, Kyiv moves into the "red" zone: restrictions on public transport and schools

Public transport will be off-limits to unvaccinated people.

Starting Monday, November 1, quarantine restrictions are being tightened in Kyiv due to a new wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

We explain how the new restrictions will affect city life, what Kyiv authorities say, and what restrictions will apply to public transport.

Kyiv is in the "red" zone

As Cabinet of Ministers Minister Oleg Nemchinov stated, "red zone" quarantine restrictions will be imposed in Kyiv from 00:00 on November 1.

The minister also urged people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to stop the spread of the pandemic.

Oleg Nemchinov
Cabinet of Ministers minister

An extraordinary meeting of the State Commission on Technogenic and Environmental Safety and Emergency Situations was held today. A red level of epidemic danger involves a number of restrictions. In particular, catering establishments, shopping and entertainment centers, non-food markets and stores, and mass events are prohibited, among others. The restrictions will not apply if 100% of employees and visitors of establishments (events) are vaccinated.

This means that the capital should have applied the general rules adopted by the Cabinet specifically for "red" zones, such as, for example, schools operating only if all their staff are fully vaccinated.

However, in this case, Kyiv's local authorities made their own adjustments, introducing additional restrictions for the duration of the "red" zone in Kyiv — the most notable concerns the operation of public transport.

What the restrictions will ultimately be

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has already announced strict restrictions from November 1.

Only those who have a PCR test or a vaccination certificate will be able to use city public transport. 

Vitali Klitschko
Mayor of Kyiv

We do not intend to close public transport; it will operate, but only passengers with a vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test may ride it.

For unimpeded travel on public transport, the yellow (one vaccine dose) and green (full vaccination) certificates will be valid, along with a PCR test valid for 72 hours, an antigen test, or a recovery certificate, which is currently undergoing testing. Children will be able to ride without restrictions.

According to the mayor, visits to restaurants, cafes, entertainment events, shopping and entertainment centers, and other public venues and events will be possible only if all employees and visitors have a PCR test or a vaccination certificate.

In addition, it will be prohibited to be without masks covering the nose and mouth in underground passages, at transport stops, and on the grounds of healthcare and education institutions.

In other public places, one may go without a mask only while keeping a social distance of one meter.

Schools, in turn, after the autumn holidays end, will continue studying only remotely until the epidemiological situation improves.

Kindergartens will be able to resume operations only if 100% of staff are vaccinated.

According to the mayor, the authorities are introducing these strict restrictions because "there are no other options to preserve people's health and lives," and also to prevent the collapse of the medical system, which may not withstand the influx of patients. The head of the capital once again urged citizens to get vaccinated.