KYIV, May 4 – Ukraine will start easing coronavirus quarantine restrictions on May 11, opening parks and most retail outlets, but will keep other businesses closed until May 22, the government said Monday.

The move comes in line the government’s plan to start reopening the country gradually, in phases, in order to prevent spike in coronavirus cases that had put significant burden on the economy.

Quarantine measures were originally introduced on March 12 and escalated quickly to a full shelter-in-place order for most citizens, shutting down the economy, but leaving mounting pressure on the healthcare system.

Ukraine reported 12,331 coronavirus cases as of May 4, up 418 over the past 24 hours, according to the Healthcare Ministry. The number of deaths rose by 15 to 303, the ministry said.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy argued that the strict quarantine measures were needed to prevent massive deaths that would have otherwise occurred in the country. Ukraine could have had 120,000 deaths this year alone if no quarantine measures had been introduced, he said.

“Look at those countries that have never implemented the measures or had soft measures,” Zelenskiy said in a video address to the nation. “The result is thousands of deaths. That is why quarantine mitigation cannot be premature.”

The shutdown reduced demand for power, forcing DTEK, the largest coal mining and fossil fuel-burning power generating company, to postpone debt payments and start talks with creditors over debt restructuring.

The government within the next two days will issue a list of businesses that may reopen on May 11, but those will include parks and beauty and barber shops, most wholesale and retail outlets with the exception of food courts and playgrounds.

The measures are also expected to reopen restaurants and cafes that have tables in open air areas as well as food take outs, other entities to reopen will include electronics repair shops, libraries and museums, dentist offices. Professional sports teams, such as soccer, will be allowed to start training at closed camps and facilities.

Most people will still be subject to stay-at-home orders as most other businesses will stay closed until May 22, according to the government. (tl/ez)