On Wednesday, Ukraine reported 407 deaths and Stepanov told the government infections were likely to rise further over the next one to two weeks.

Stepanov said 17,569 new infections were reported over the past day and a record high 5,160 people were hospitalised. On Wednesday, Ukraine reported 11,226 new cases, far below the record 18,132 cases last week.

Ukrainian capital Kyiv, which is still leading in the number of new infections, will impose a strict lockdown from April 5, restricting public transport, closing all schools and kindergartens.

The city has already banned public events, closed cafes and restaurants in an attempt to stop a new wave of disease.

Many Ukrainian regions have also imposed strict lockdown.

Ukraine has reported a total of 1,691,737 coronavirus cases and 33,246 deaths.