In Ukraine, the situation with coronavirus is only getting worse, so the government is introducing new quarantine restrictions. If you constantly read news feeds, you get the impression that the situation is really terrific. But let's remember the good news: US conducted successful clinical trials of a vaccine against the coronavirus, the French government recognized Christmas trees as "essential goods," and festive decorations will be installed on Kyiv streets again.
A touching meeting after six months of isolation
Nursing home in Italy has figured out how to accept relatives without risking the health of elderly people. Thus, they managed to arrange the first meeting in six months of isolation.
In Castelfranco Veneto, a special anti-infection curtain has been created that allows older people to hug their loved ones. Relatives must adhere to strict rules in order to enter the "cuddle room" (stanza degli abbracci): wear a mask, walk in small groups, put their hands in a transparent plastic curtain, and then hug their elderly relatives.
Videos of elderly people meeting with relatives after long months of isolation are very touching: many visitors were crying.
Success in vaccine clinical trials
Moderna American company has announced that its coronavirus vaccine has demonstrated 94.5% effectiveness in preventing disease in the third phase of clinical trials.
More than 30,000 people took part in clinical trials in the United States, only 95 people were infected with Covid-19. At the same time, 90 cases were in the control group, the participants of which were injected with placebo. Among the vaccinated, five people became infected.
The vaccine from Moderna is called mRNA-1273. This vaccine is developed on the basis of RNA, according to the mechanism of action, it is analogous to the vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech.
Ukraine will be able to receive eight million doses of coronavirus vaccine in the second quarter of next year. Negotiations are ongoing with companies to purchase additional vaccine lots. In addition, the government is in talks with global companies to procure additional batches of an effective and proven vaccine.
French government concessions before Christmas
The French government made concessions before the Christmas holidays, declaring the trees "a commodity of prime necessity," The Local reported.
Christmas markets from 20 November should be organized mainly outside. Garden centers, open-air markets, and supermarket parking lots were proposed as places to sell Christmas trees.
“This is very important for French families, children, and the industry,” said French Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie.
In France, a lockdown has been introduced, according to the rules of which only certain stores, such as supermarkets, grocery stores and pharmacies, are allowed to operate. Supermarkets are prohibited from selling "nonessential" items such as clothing and books. Most other shops, including the flower shops that sell Christmas trees, are closed.
Kyiv prepares for the New Year
Although the center of the capital looks a little dull at the weekend due to the quarantine, this does not mean that there will be no traditional New Year's illumination this year.
The main Christmas tree of the country, Sofia Square, Kyiv
So, in the context of a pandemic, the New Year will be celebrated with restrictions, but a Christmas tree with a height of 30 m will still be installed on Sophia Square. The square will be covered with a dome and illumination.
Houses with sweets and drinks are planned to be installed on Volodymyrska Hirka, souvenir stalls on Andriivsky Spusk. In addition, there will be events and lighting near the Friendship of Peoples Arch.
The main tree of the country will light up with festive lights on St. Nicholas Day - December 19.
