Story By: Anastasia Smirnova, Sub-Editor:  Joseph Golder, Agency:  Newsflash

Ukraine’s President has banned VIP hospital rooms for officials as the number of coronavirus cases in the country begins to rise.

President Volodymir Zelensky, 42, announced the ban in a statement on the spread of COVID-19 in Ukraine, and he stated that he plans on abolishing the so-called VIP hospital rooms among other measures.

The president has stressed that no politician or businessman will receive preferential treatment at any hospital in the country.

He said: “This is not the Soviet Union, we won’t have any luxury medical rooms for members of the Central Committee. Everyone will be treated under the same medical conditions as an average Ukrainian.

“Maybe then you will understand how it feels not to have an opportunity to get medical treatment in Switzerland or Israel.”

Zelensky said that the same rule applies to himself or any Member of Parliament.

The Ukrainian leader has warned hospital heads not to try to sell the VIP hospital rooms, as people trying to do so will be sanctioned.

Ukraine has suffered 475 confirmed cases of COIVD-19 with 10 deaths according to the latest figures from the Johns Hopkins University.

Ukraine closed its borders on 27th March.

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