The lockdown in Kyiv will last at least a month, as the COVID-19 epidemic in the Ukrainian capital is yet to reach its peak, the press service for Kyiv’s Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
“Everything depends on the pace of COVID-19 spread and the occupancy of hospital beds. But specialists have tentatively said that this increasingly challenging period may continue for at least a month,” Klitschko told the Ukraine 24 television channel.
However, if COVID-19 morbidity rates begin declining in two-three weeks and the city again falls under the orange zone criteria, the city’s emergency commission may agree to ease some restrictions, the mayor said.
“But, unfortunately, there is no such tendency today. And, as specialists, virologists and doctors have noted, we have yet to reach its peak. Therefore, I once again call on all residents to be careful, to comply with the key safety rules and to get vaccinated!” he said.
The city is currently coping with another COVID-19 peak, he said.
“We are supplying hospitals with all necessary equipment, medications and are paying bonuses to medics. More than 6,000 hospital beds have already been prepared in Kyiv. And we are continuing to increase their number. The hospitals are 70% full,” Klitschko said.
Kyiv has a stockpile of liquid oxygen, but the city authorities have signed preliminary contracts on its supply with different enterprises, he said.
However, problems may occur if the number of patients in need of oxygen support grows, he said.
“The situation is now difficult, but stable and is under control. What counts most is to prevent an explosive growth of infections, when the number of patients will exceed the number of hospital beds. This could lead to a collapse of the healthcare system,” the mayor said.
The intensive care units in Kyiv’s hospitals are almost full, but there are still some available beds, he said.
