Ukraine to Introduce Booster Shots and Mandatory Self-Isolation for Arrivals from South Africa; WHO Recognizes Omicron COVID-19 Strain as Global Threat

Ukraine has not yet detected the Omicron COVID-19 strain, while a new wave of coronavirus infections is expected in late winter.

Ukraine has ordered two-week self-isolation for citizens arriving from the countries of Southern Africa, while the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the spread of the new “Omicron” coronavirus strain as a global threat.

Ukraine’s Minister of Health Viktor Liashko said that no cases of infection with the “Omicron” strain have been detected in Ukraine so far.

Later, in an interview, he said that booster doses of the vaccine will be introduced in Ukraine starting in January 2022, and a new wave of coronavirus infections may reach Ukraine in late winter.

Mandatory self-isolation and no cases of infection

Ukrainians who were in countries where the “Omicron” coronavirus strain has been detected must undergo self-isolation upon returning to Ukraine. 

In particular, travelers who spent more than 7 days over the past 14 days in the Republic of South Africa, the Republic of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Kingdom of Eswatini, or the Republic of Mozambique must undergo 14-day self-isolation.

Health Minister Viktor Liashko, speaking at a video conference meeting, urged Ukrainians to refrain from traveling to countries where the new strain has been detected, and said the list of countries after which self-isolation is required may be expanded.

Liashko also said that no “Omicron” COVID-19 strain has been detected in Ukraine so far, but all samples other than “Delta” will be thoroughly tested.

WHO Recognizes Global Threat

The new “Omicron” COVID-19 strain, which has about 32 mutations, poses a “very high” risk to the world.

It can spread and cause a surge in illness, according to a report by WHO.

“Omicron” has an unprecedented number of mutations, which threaten to affect the trajectory of the pandemic. The overall global risk from this new dangerous virus variant is assessed as very high,” WHO warns.

Booster Vaccination and a New Surge in Infections in Ukraine

Afterward, Liashko gave an interview to BBC Ukrainian. He clarified that arrivals from South Africa, regardless of whether they are foreigners or Ukrainian citizens and regardless of PCR test results or vaccination certificates, will have to undergo two-week self-isolation.

He also said that a new surge in infections is expected at the end of winter or the beginning of spring.

Viktor Liashko 
Minister of Health of Ukraine

It is difficult to predict anything with coronavirus, as it disrupts all forecasts. Even for this wave, expectations were for mid-November, but a serious jump came in October. COVID outbreaks repeat seasonal ARVI outbreaks. Therefore, a new wave can be expected by the end of January, February, or March, unless other mutations lead to something different. Within one of these periods there will be a significant rise in incidence.

Answering a journalist’s question about the new EU requirements for COVID certificates and readiness to begin booster vaccination, Liashko said that Ukraine is ready for this since there are enough vaccines, but the emphasis now is on those who have not yet completed the vaccination course.

Viktor Liashko 
Minister of Health of Ukraine

It depends on many factors. If Ukrainians turn out en masse and get the first shot, so that at least 60% are vaccinated with the first dose or 50% with two doses, I, as health minister, will immediately make a decision and launch booster vaccination.