IOM handed over the desperately needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), as well as disinfection equipment and liquids, to the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) of Ukraine. Sprayers, disposable protective masks, protective gloves, glasses and suits will be used by the border guards for processing Ukrainian nationals entering from abroad and civilians crossing the entry-exit points at the line of contact in eastern Ukraine once the latter are re-opened.

“My admiration goes to the Ukrainian services and personnel actively working to maintain the continuity of important functions in the country. Providing protective equipment to the State Border Guard Service is part of IOM’s response supporting the Government of Ukraine in their efforts to protect the citizens from this pandemic. We stand with Ukraine during this unprecedented crisis,” said Anh Nguyen, Chief of Mission at IOM Ukraine.  

The procurement of the equipment was possible through utilizing funds from IOM Ukraine’s projects funded by the European Union and the Government of Japan.

Out of the nationwide 219 border crossing points normally operated by the SBGS, there are still 19 fully operational under the current nationwide lockdown, providing those Ukrainian citizens who wish to return with an open door to reach their families and loved ones.

Despite the international travel restrictions, still more than 8,500 people are arriving at the border crossing points on a daily basis, where border guards, in cooperation with personnel from the sanitary-quarantine units, are conducting temperature screening and health surveys, as well as informing travellers about quarantine and self-isolation requirements following entry.