Ukraine closes schools, cancels public events after swine flu deaths

[FarCenter]

Ukraine on Friday announced the implementation of some of Europe's toughest measures to combat swine flu, closing schools and cinemas and banning public gatherings for at least three weeks.

The moves ordered by Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko came after the country confirmed at least four swine flu-related deaths, Ukraine's first since the outbreak started in Mexico and the United States last April.

The government is also to implement a "special system" to limit unnecessary travel. It is reportedly considering a quarantine in the west of the country, where the virus has been concentrated, or possibly a quarantine of the entire country.

"The virus is spreading very fast," said Health Minister Vasyl Knyazevych.

<SNIP>http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4841826,00.html

[villager]

1. And for those curious about Prime Minister Yulia:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v2zEq0iZp6s/SZILO8Gl9UI/AAAAAAAADxY/XMEtVXZDjnM/s400/Ukrainian+Prime+Minister+Yulia+Tymoshenko.jpg

[FarCenter]

2. Nice picture - she is more usually seen in braids

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/14/julia-tomyshenko-a-world_n_174952.html