KIEV, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has approved a plan to prevent possible spread of the novel coronavirus in the country, which envisages a three-week nationwide quarantine in educational institutions and a ban on the holding of mass events, the Ukrainian government's press service said Wednesday.
The restrictive measures include a three-week lockdown of all educational institutions in Ukraine as well as a ban on holding mass events with over 200 participants, which does not apply to gatherings of national importance. Holding sports events is possible only with the permission of international organizations, although no spectators will be allowed.
Ukraine will also partially close the state border from March 12.
"Starting from tomorrow, 49 of 219 border checkpoints will be operating. The rest will be closed for citizens and transport," Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said at a press briefing in Kiev following the government's meeting on Wednesday.
Shmygal added that the Cabinet also decided to temporarily suspend flights with Italy. In the future, such restrictions may extend to other countries where there is an outbreak of the coronavirus.
The Cabinet will allocate 100 million hryvnias (3.9 million U.S. dollars) for priority procurement of personal protection gear for the needs of ministries, agencies, and services, as well as to replenish reserves.
A ban on the exports of anti-epidemic goods has been introduced until June 1.
Only one coronavirus case has been confirmed in Ukraine so far.
