Zelensky outlines emergency measures to combat coronavirus

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday spoke to Ukrainians about measures to fight the novel coronavirus, suggesting further restrictions on travel and shutting down of non-essential businesses.

"The ministries, regional state administrations, local governments, and businesses must ensure the operation of grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, banks, insurance companies, as well as all critical infrastructure enterprises, state and municipal property and freight transport," said Zelensky.

Zelensky pointed out that all government bodies, health care institutions and law enforcement agencies should continue to work normally.

Zelensky suggested the government to introduce the ban on the air, train and bus transportation within the country and to introduce the state of emergency in two regions where coronavirus cases were confirmed, namely the Chernivtsi and Zhytomyr regions, starting from March 17, 2020.

The Center for Public Health of Ukraine reported two new COVID-19 cases earlier on Monday, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 5. (Kate Baklitskaya)