The situation with the incidence of COVID-19 in Ukraine is improving, but it is necessary to accelerate the pace of vaccination. This was discussed during the traditional conference call on combating the spread of COVID-19 chaired by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reported on the situation with COVID-19 incidence in the country. He noted that the overall epidemic situation has been stabilizing for the sixth week in a row.
According to the Prime Minister, a total of 77,000 beds have been allocated for patients with COVID-19. There are 68,264 beds supplied with oxygen. 33,292 beds are occupied today.
The Prime Minister said that six regions remain in the "red" zone. After the meeting of the State Commission on Technogenic and Environmental Safety and Emergencies, Kharkiv, Khmelnytsky and Chernihiv regions can be removed from the "red" zone, as all indicators meet the established criteria. Denys Shmyhal noted that the "red" level of epidemic danger will remain in three regions - Sumy, Poltava and Zaporizhzhia.
The Prime Minister added that more than 759,000 people have been vaccinated in Ukraine today. Currently, it is possible to vaccinate 80-100 thousand Ukrainians a day.
Minister of Health Maksym Stepanov reported on the expected delivery of vaccines in May. He noted that the healthcare system of Ukraine allows to vaccinate 400-500 thousand people a day if the vaccine is available. The rate of vaccination is planned to increase. According to Maksym Stepanov, there are 11,000 vaccination rooms in the country.
Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov and Minister of Health said that Ukraine prepares for the introduction of "vaccination and immunization passports" in accordance with European standards.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the government should enhance communication with the regions on the situation with the incidence of COVID-19.
"By Independence Day, most Ukrainians who need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 should get the vaccine. Vaccination rate needs to be increased. In addition, there is a need to raise awareness among people about the importance of vaccination. After all, this is the only and most effective way to fight the pandemic," the President said.