Ukraine's school law and border closure, as of 20 March 2020
A look back at two measures in force by 20 March 2020: a new law on general secondary education and a temporary ban on foreign arrivals.
What was shaping public life in Ukraine on 20 March 2020? Two measures, both already in effect by that date, stood out: a new law on general secondary education and a temporary entry ban for foreigners.
The law "Про повну загальну середню освіту" (On Complete General Secondary Education) came into force on 18 March 2020. It became part of the legal framework for schooling in the country two days before the covered date.
In the same days, the authorities responded to the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 in Ukraine. From 00:00 on 16 March 2020, the country barred foreigners and stateless persons from entering its territory. The ban was set to run until 3 April 2020.
Taken together, the two measures show how a long-term change in education rules and an urgent public health restriction were taking effect side by side in the days leading up to 20 March 2020.
