Ukraine will introduce tight lockdown restrictions in January, hoping to stop the rapid spread of Covid-19 infections, Prime Minister Denys Shmygal has said.

The measures, which include the closure of schools, cafes, restaurants, gyms and entertainment centres and a ban on mass gatherings, will be in force from Jan 8 to 24, Shmygal told the televised government meeting.

“Ukraine will introduce strengthened quarantine restrictions — let's call them 'winter holidays for safety',” Shmygal said.

“This is done in order to prevent the unfolding of a new powerful wave of the disease, which may occur, in particular, after the New Year holidays.”