Ukraine: Subway and railway open after lockdown ease

The subway in Kyiv and Kharkiv reopened on Monday as Ukraine moved to the second stage of easing lockdown restrictions.

Last week, Ukraine's government announced shifting to "an adjustable lockdown," with authorities in different regions deciding which restrictions to lift. The new regime started on Saturday, with public transport, hotels and churches reopening, and will remain in place until June 22.

In Kyiv, the subway returned to its usual schedule, allowing people in if they wear masks and observe social distancing guidelines. Churches across the country resumed public services on condition of enforcing social distancing. Hotels were allowed to reopen with their restaurants remaining closed.

Ukraine was one of the first ex-Soviet nations to impose a strict nationwide lockdown in March, when it had just a handful of coronavirus cases. It has so far reported 21,245 confirmed infections and 623 deaths.