Donetsk, Mar 18 – DAN. DPR is to close its checkpoints at the border with Ukraine on March 21 to prevent the importation of the coronavirus, the DPR Head Denis Pushilin said.

"To prevent the importation of the coronavirus the decision was taken to halt civilian traffic at DPR-Ukraine border and customs checkpoints at 12 a.m. March 21," the document published at the Head's website reads.

DPR has been on high alert since March 14. Border control authorities have introduced 24/7 shifts of experts who monitor travelers for COVID-19 symptoms.

Travelers returning from most affected countries (Ukraine, China, Spain, Italy, Iran, Korea, France and Germany) are required to self-isolate at their homes for 14 days.

No cases of coronavirus have been registered in the DPR.

Latest updates show that more than 190,000 people are infected across the globe; the majority of cases are registered in China, Italy, South Korea, Iran. Nearly 8,000 people have died. *ot