Ukraine's first day of nationwide quarantine, 12 March 2020
A look back at the day Ukraine's coronavirus restrictions took effect, as neighbouring countries tightened their own measures.
What did a country's first day of coronavirus quarantine look like? On 12 March 2020, Ukraine's nationwide restrictions came into force, a day after the Cabinet of Ministers introduced them in response to the global outbreak.
The quarantine, as reported on 11 March, was set to run from 12 March to 3 April. Mass events of more than 200 people were banned, and kindergartens and educational institutions were closed. Reports at the time described the measure as a closure of all schools for three weeks. The government said some sporting events might still go ahead, but without spectators.
Neighbours move in the same direction
On 12 March 2020, Poland suspended all schools and universities and closed theatres, operas, cinemas and museums for two weeks. Mass events were also banned there. The Polish Football Association announced that two friendly matches planned for later in the month, against Finland and Ukraine, would be played behind closed doors.
Slovakia went further the same day. It ordered all its borders closed to non-residents and shut its international airports as well as its schools, in an effort to prevent the virus from spreading.
A concern close to NATO's eastern flank
Two days earlier, on 10 March 2020, Poland's Ministry of National Defence had reported on Twitter that General Commander Jarosław Mika had tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from Germany. He became the highest-ranking member of NATO's armed forces known to be infected.
Taken together, the reports from 10 to 12 March 2020 show governments in the region moving quickly from announcements to enforcement. In Ukraine, the quarantine's start on 12 March put the Cabinet's decision into practice, closing classrooms and limiting public gatherings across the country.
