Ukraine is suffering through a surge in coronavirus infections, along with other parts of Eastern Europe and Russia. While vaccines are plentiful, there is a widespread reluctance to get them in many countries.
KYIV, UKRAINE -- Truck driver Andriy Melnik never took the coronavirus seriously. With a friend, he bought a fake vaccination certificate so his travel documents would appear in order when he hauled cargo to other parts of Europe.
"We're seeing low vaccine uptake in a whole swath of countries across that part of the region," she told The Associated Press. "Historical issues around vaccines come into play. In some countries, the whole vaccine issue is politicized." This has created a booming black market in counterfeit documents. Fake vaccination certificates sell for the equivalent of US$100-$300. There's even a phony version of the government's digital app, with bogus certificates already installed, said Mykhailo Fedorov, minister for digital transformation.
The hospital surgical ward in the town of Biliaivka, near the Black Sea port of Odessa, is now treating only coronavirus patients, with 50 of its 52 beds filled. Drugs and oxygen are in short supply. The current surge seems especially lethal, Kobevko said, with 10-23 patients dying daily at her hospital, compared with fewer than six per day last spring. The number of COVID-19 patients in their 30s and 40s has grown considerably, she added."Fake stories have spread widely, making people believe in microchips and genetic mutations," Kobevko said.
Murat Sahin, UNICEF representative in Ukraine, said false and misleading information about COVID-19 poses a growing threat.Similar skepticism has been seen elsewhere in Eastern Europe, fueled by online misinformation, religious beliefs, distrust of government officials, and reliance on nontraditional treatments.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
White House admits Biden could head to Europe without a climate dealCOP26 is expected to be a showcase for Biden to demonstrate U.S. efforts to tackle climate change. However, his plan aimed at curbing climate change remains mired in intra-party squabbles
Read more »
U.S. FDA advisers back Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for young kidsA panel of U.S. health advisers on Tuesday endorsed kid-size doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, moving the U.S. closer to beginning vaccinations in children ages 5 to 11.
Read more »
FDA advisers back Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for young kidsFood and Drug Administration advisory panel votes unanimously to endorse Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11
Read more »
Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole says Tories will respect COVID-19 vaccine mandate, but challenge board ruling that created itConservative Leader Erin O’Toole said his caucus will abide by the mandate that members of Parliament be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a medical exemption
Read more »