Shmygal claims religious ceremonies and weddings cause COVID-19 outbreak

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denis Shmygal. Photo: unn.com.ua
On August 17, 2020, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denis Shmyhal said at a meeting with President Vladimir Zelensky that weddings and religious ceremonies caused the spread of coronavirus disease in western Ukraine, therefore law enforcement officers and the State Emergency Service are strengthening control over quarantine, the website of the President's Office reports.
According to him, in this regard, "the government will check hospitals to be prepared for the second wave of COVID-19, if it comes in the fall."
The situation with the spread of the virus is difficult around the world, as evidenced by about 22 million infections and almost 800 thousand deaths, the Prime Minister said. The head of government added that currently 114 thousand violations have been identified when using the “Act at home” application.
In turn, President Vladimir Zelenskyy noted, “There must be an integrated approach. People are tired of the coronavirus not only in Ukraine but around the world. This is evidenced by international experience. Confronting COVID-19 is collaboration between the state and people, and we, of course, expect understanding. As a state, we must do everything in our power to contain the coronavirus."
As reported by the UOJ, earlier, the Ministry of Health called on the authorities to strengthen control over compliance with quarantine measures.
Read also
Ukraine must have its own faith: Poroshenko's party lays out peace terms
Poroshenko’s party European Solidarity described church policy as a matter of national sovereignty and said there can be no compromises in this area.
432 UOC churches damaged in Ukraine during war, report says
According to the Religion on Fire project, 807 religious buildings in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed as a result of hostilities.
DESS official gives number of clergy exempt from mobilization in Ukraine
A DESS representative said the actual number of clergy exempt from mobilization is significantly lower than the number of religious organizations designated as critical.
Cabinet keeps gas prices unchanged for religious organizations
The Cabinet has fixed gas prices for religious organizations through the end of the 2026–2027 heating season.
Concert held at seized Cherkasy cathedral
The OCU thanked the musical ensemble for choosing the Cherkasy cathedral as the venue for a Baroque music concert.
OCU activist admits breaking into UOC church in Sloviansk
Oleksandr Onyshchenko said that the OCU held its first "service" at the Seraphim Church, which had previously been broken into by forcing the locks and doors.