Doctors Say That The Chaos Of War In Ukraine Could Fuel A New COVID-19 Surge

Covid During Wartimes

Dr. Oleksandr Matskov, deputy director of the General Public Health Center of Ukraine, stated in a written response that coronavirus lab tests are almost entirely suspended since the war began on Feb 24th. Doctors are instructed to confirm clinical symptoms without the trouble of a laboratory test.

Hence the number of new cases reported had dropped dramatically in the last two weeks. But “the decrease may also be natural,” he added, pointing out that the omicron variation surge had begun fading before Russian troops and tanks reached the border.

This invasion has resulted in strikes on some of the country’s main cities, notably Kyiv, the capital, and Kharkiv, the second-largest city, triggering a mass evacuation and a collapse in facilities. A city of over 3 million people, the mayor of Kyiv announced last week that half of the city’s population has fled. According to Matskov, other areas are under siege, with little or no access to medical care.

Ukraine’s COVID-19 vaccination rate is only about one-third of the populace. Still, millions of people escaping their homes have crammed into evacuation trains, resettlement centers, temporary shelters, and underground shelters, creating ideal conditions for a new outbreak.

The medical systems in the parts of Ukraine that were safe from the war are now overburdened by the flood of displaced persons, according to Matskov. COVID-19 isn’t high on the list of concerns for the Ukrainians these days.