Kiev imposes restrictions on schools, public events due to coronavirus

KIEV - Activities in schools and mass events will be limited in Kiev starting Thursday to prevent possible spread of the novel coronavirus, the capital city's mayor said on Wednesday.

Kindergartens, schools and universities will be temporarily suspended, and public events in the capital including concerts, conferences, film screenings and other events will be limited and entertainment centers and entertainment areas in shopping malls closed, said Mayor Vitaly Klitschko in a video posted on his official Facebook page.

"Although no cases of coronavirus have been registered in Kiev, we decided not to wait and protect the city's residents. We'll introduce preventive measures in Kiev from March 12 until the end of March," the mayor said.

Public transport will work as usual and the vehicles are disinfected twice a day, the mayor said, urging residents not to panic and visit the doctor immediately once feeling unwell.

Currently, only one coronavirus case has been confirmed in Ukraine, in the town of Chernivtsi. A total of 43 people are suspected of infection and placed under medical observation.