The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is introducing an adaptive quarantine model.
At the same time, the government is easing nationwide restrictive measures, but they will only apply in regions where the epidemic situation allows.
Decisions on easing or strengthening of quarantine in the regions will henceforth be made by the regional commissions on technogenic and ecological safety (hereinafter – TES) and emergency situations (hereinafter – ES) provided that three targets are met:
1. The incidence (average number of new COVID-19 cases in the last seven days per 100,000 population) is less than 12 per 100,000 population.
2. Bed occupancy in health facilities designated for hospitalization of patients with a confirmed case of COVID-19 is less than 50%.
3. The average number of tests by polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent analysis is more than 12 per 100 thousand population in the last seven days.
The regional commissions of the TES and the ES must review the decision every seven days.
Therefore, from May 22 the following is allowed:
- Carrying out of sports events that involve up to 50 persons and without spectators (events where there should be more than 50 persons must be agreed with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine)
- Carrying out religious events (not more than 1 person per 10 m2)
- Regular and irregular passenger transportations by road in urban, suburban, intercity intra-regional and international traffic
- Hotel activities (without restaurants)
From May 25:
- Metro
- Preschool institutions
From June 1:
- Gyms, fitness centers (group classes up to 10 people)
- Classes in educational institutions (in groups of up to 10 people)
- Rail transport in all types of domestic communication (suburban, urban, regional and long-distance)
- Interregional passenger transportation by road
From June 10:
- Catering establishments, in particular reception of visitors in premises
- Cultural institutions (reception of visitors by the decision of the owner)
- Cultural events (not more than 1 person per 5 m2)
- Establishments providing accommodation services
From June 15:
- Opening of airports
At the same time, it remains mandatory at all stages of quarantine easing:
- regular disinfection;
- observance of social distance;
- wearing protective masks;
- availability of identity documents.
The following remains banned:
- unauthorized leaving of places of self-isolation, observation;
- holding mass events with more than 10 participants;
- activity of shopping malls (except for the shops located in them);
- passenger transportation on city bus routes in the mode of a minibus;
- stay in public buildings, public transport without wearing personal protective equipment;
- theaters and cinemas;
- more than 4 people at the table in the open areas of cafes and restaurants (excluding children under 14);
- cultural institutions (except for museums, open-air museums and historical and cultural reserves);
- visits to institutions and establishments providing palliative care, social protection, temporary stays for foreigners and stateless persons.
The President of Ukraine signed Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine Concerning the Improvement of Certain Mechanisms for Banking Regulation” No. 590-IX, which was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on May 13, 2020.
The Law provides for a set of changes aimed at improving the activities of banks, in particular by strengthening corporate governance, and regulating the specifics of litigation in cases of withdrawal of banks from the market. In addition, the Law introduces updated mechanisms for withdrawing banks from the market, which are aimed at improving the liquidation procedure and meeting the requirements of as many creditors of the liquidated bank as possible, as well as improving mechanisms for possible state participation in withdrawing the bank from the market. This step will contribute to the reliability and stability of the banking system, restoring confidence of depositors and creditors.
Implementation of the provisions of the Law will help improve the quality and efficiency of the National Bank's performance of its functions in the field of banking regulation and supervision, complete procedures for withdrawal of banks from the market/liquidation of those banks the decisions on which have been overturned by courts.
The President of Ukraine signed Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to the Tax Code of Ukraine to Improve Tax Administration, Eliminate Technical and Logical Inconsistencies in Tax Legislation” No. 466-IX (Draft Law No. 1210).
Let us remind that Draft Law No. 1210 was adopted in January 2020, and since February 11 (more than three months) it has been waiting for the President's signature. During this time, businesses have repeatedly appealed to the President to veto the Law. But, as we can see, we still received tax reform in 2020.
The Law provides for a number of changes aimed at improving and simplifying the system of tax administration, its harmonization with world standards. It also aims to introduce international tax control standards for all participants in international trade and to implement the provisions of the Action Plan on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS Action Plan).
In addition, the changes envisaged by the document provide the necessary conditions for reforming the State Tax Service and open the possibility for transforming its structure in accordance with the concept of a single legal entity.
The system of tax administration is also being improved and the possibilities of online services for taxpayers are being expanded. From now on, a taxpayer who submits reports in electronic form or has passed electronic identification online in user’s account will be able to apply for documents from the tax authorities in electronic form.
Implementation of the Law also expands investment incentives through the introduction of accelerated depreciation of fixed assets.
At the same time, the President addressed a letter to the Prime Minister, in which he proposed to work with representatives of business associations and experts to develop and submit legislative initiatives to the Verkhovna Rada in order to:
- introduce transparent and detailed mechanisms for the implementation of provisions on restrictions introduced to prevent tax evasion;
- define clear and understandable tax rules for controlled foreign companies, as well as provision of taxpayers with sufficient time to ensure the collection of data and information required to declare the relevant taxable items (subject to restrictive measures related to the spread of COVID-19 worldwide) .
Also, in the opinion of the President, the amount of fines for certain minor tax offenses should be reduced.
In addition, the Government should ensure the protection of data and information obtained by controlling bodies on the reporting of residents of Ukraine on income, in particular, obtained from sources outside Ukraine, as well as data obtained from the competent authorities of foreign countries in accordance with the Law. Criminal liability for illegal disclosure of such data and information should be considered.
The Head of State addressed the Cabinet of Ministers with a proposal to develop and submit to parliament a draft law on one-time declaration. These legislative changes must be prepared within three months in cooperation with experts, business and the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy.
The Government should also prepare proposals with the involvement of business representatives, experts and MPs on:
- systematic improvement and simplification of procedures for the administration of taxes and fees;
- ensuring the clarity of the rules of taxation, unification and terminology.
The relevant draft law must be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine by the end of 2020.
The Ministry of Health of Ukraine has published the rules of operation of offices during quarantine in Ukraine. The Ministry of Health recommends that employees who are in risk group be removed from office work.
According to the new rules, all offices must be provided with liquid soap, antiseptics and paper towels, and at the entrance to the office space, the owner must arrange a place to treat hands with antiseptic. There must also be a 1.5 meter mark at the entrance. Wet cleaning and ventilation should be carried out in the office every 2 hours.
Office workers must undergo a mandatory temperature screening before starting work, and must wear masks indoors. The employees should wash their hands regularly with liquid soap and disinfect them. They also need to avoid contact with people who have symptoms of respiratory disease.
Guests and visitors to the offices will be allowed only by appointment, and must have personal protective equipment. In waiting areas, the distance between visitors should not be less than 1.5 meters, and one person is given 10 square meters.
