Donetsk, Aug 24 - DAN. Three hundred and seventy people used the Yelenovka humanitarian corridor to cross the contact line and enter the Donetsk People’s Republic on August 23, the DPR Emergencies Ministry press service reported on Tuesday.

“Overall, 370 people and 55 vehicles crossed into the DPR and 317 people and 50 cars went to Ukraine-held areas,” the report said.

Residence registration in Ukraine is required to exit the DPR; to enter the Republic, visitors have to obtain a permit from the DPR COVID-19 crisis headquarters. They have to fill out a form stating their consent for a test at an in-patient hospital. Visitors can opt to take a COVID-19 rapid test at the crossing point. Self-isolation at home is allowed in case of negative test.  

Under new regulations, residence permit is not required for persons who enter the Republic under the humanitarian programme for Donbass people reunificaiton and support of the Russian-speaking population of Ukraine, or if they have humanitarian or compelling circumstances. As before, persons registered in the DPR or holders of permanent residency or address certificates can enter the DPR via Yelenovka. The lists of these groups of citizens are also subject to approved by the DPR COVID-19 crisis headquarters.

There are four crossing points on the contact line between the DPR and Ukraine-held territory but only one of them operates at present due to the spread of the coronavirus infection. The Yelenovka-Novotroitskoye humanitarian corridor opens twice a week, on Monday and Friday. *jk