OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine refutes incorrect media speculation

KYIV, 19 August 2020 – The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine refutes recent media reports falsely alleging that an SMM monitoring officer has tested positive for COVID-19.

The monitoring officer in question, in line with SMM medical protocols related to movement across the contact line, did in fact undergo 14-day self-isolation and take a PCR test immediately prior to crossing the contact line, which gave a negative result. He also underwent an additional rapid test on the 14th day of his crossing of the line of contact, which again proved negative. On the 18th day of his stay in non-government-controlled areas, on precautionary medical grounds, he was relocated to a government-controlled area, where he underwent another PCR test on 13 August; the result is negative.

The SMM applies rigorous preventative measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. The Mission will continue to adhere to all measures in place both to protect its own staff and to minimize risk to the local population. It expects that those in control will apply similarly rigorous preventative measures to protect people, including SMM monitoring officers, living and working in areas not controlled by the Government. SMM measures to contain the virus are not taken in a vacuum, and must be complemented by efforts at a wider societal level.