Another Major Ukrainian Abbey Closes Down Due to Coronavirus Outbreak and Quarantine Violations over Easter

The town of Pochayiv in the Ternopil region, where the Holy Dormition Pochayiv Lavra is located, is closed for entry and exit due to the coronavirus outbreak from 10 a.m. on April 21.

This was reported by the Deputy Head of the Kremenets Regional State Administration Vyacheslav Onyshkevych.

The decision was made because of an increase in the incidence of COVID-19 in Pochayiv and because of a quarantine violations during the Easter services. According to the official, as of April 20, 13 cases of coronavirus infection were confirmed in the town.

Checkpoints for patrolling will be reinforced by Kremenets Military Commissariat personnel, as well as rescuers who will disinfect transport.

"We urge Pochayiv residents to return to the town immediately and stay at home, and guests – to leave Pochayiv," stressed Onyshkevych.

A security pass system is also being introduced in Pochayiv starting from April 21. Only special vehicles responsible for vital activities will be able to enter the settlement.

READ MORE: Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Closes for Quarantine: Over 90 Coronavirus Cases Found

This comes two days after the police opened a criminal case for violation of quarantine in the important shrine of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Moscow Patriarchate.

Numerous people failed to abide by the social distance rules on the eve of the Easter service. Some of them did not even use personal protective equipment.