Minister of Health of Ukraine Illia Yemets has called on MPs to vote for the introduction of a state of emergency in the country due to the spread of the acute respiratory disease COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

"Minister of Health Illia Yemets has called on deputies to demonstrate willpower, not to be afraid, but to get together and vote for the introduction of a state of emergency for the sake of Ukrainians. All deputies must undergo rapid testing for coronavirus," the Ministry of Health said on Telegram on Monday.