UOC dispatches 12,500 PCR-tests for COVID-19 diagnosis

Representatives of the UOC handed over coronavirus tests to medical institutions in Kiev. Photo: screenshot of the video from the 1Kozak YouTube channel

On April 6, 2020, representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church handed over 12,500 PCR tests to detect the COVID-19 virus to the Public Health Center and Kiev Laboratory Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the First Cossack channel reports.

“These are not ordinary rapid tests but laboratory ones, which make it possible to diagnose the disease with almost 100% probability,” said Bishop Victor (Kotsaba) of Baryshevka, chief of staff of the Kiev Metropolis of the UOC. “In addition, these days, with the blessing of the UOC Primate His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, the tests, bought by the Holy Protection Foundation, have been transferred to all regional centers of Ukraine.”

The UOC hierarch noted that from the first day when the coronavirus infection was detected in Ukraine, all 53 eparchies joined the fight against the spread of the disease.

“Our dioceses, parishes, and monasteries do as much as they can to contribute to the humanitarian and social activities being so necessary today. This is our common tribulation which means that together, not dividing each other by faith or by any national signs and political preferences, we should fight for the comeback of quiet, peaceful and healthy times to our homeland," he added.

Representatives of medical institutions in Kiev expressed their gratitude to the Church for the tests delivered, which will quickly detect cases of coronavirus and minimize the risks of its spread.

Recall that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church passed 100,000 tests for COVID-19 diagnosis, purchased by Vadim Novinsky’s Charitable Foundation in honor of the Intercession of the Mother of God, to all regions of Ukraine. The distribution of the equipment and protective means among the regions was organized by the Ministry of Health and the Coronavirus Epidemic Headquarters at the Office of President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky.

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