The Cabinet of Ministers plans to update rules for business operations during the yellow-level air raid alert and to give enterprises additional time to fit out shelters. “The priority remains the safety of people. At the same time, we are extending the resolution in effect because we cannot allow a halt to the economy and the country’s functioning,” said Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi.
Businesses will be given more time to fit out shelters
The government proposes to extend the deadline by which enterprises must fit out shelters or safe spaces. The Prime Minister noted that sufficient opportunities exist to purchase mobile structures.
The postponement does not mean the requirements are cancelled — acceptable solutions may include a very simple safe space, a mobile shelter, or providing information on the location of and access to the nearest underground shelter.
Shelter requirements will depend on the number of people
Shelter requirements will be set depending on the number of employees and visitors present on site at the same time. This should take into account the capacity of shelters for simultaneous occupancy.
Detailed explanations of the new requirements are to be provided by the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Off-site shelters and reporting deadlines
A shelter does not necessarily have to be on the company’s own premises: a nearby shelter may be used if it has sufficient capacity. People must have clear information on where such a shelter is located and how to get to it.
By 4 March, the military administrations must collect information on enterprises’ compliance with the shelter-fitting requirements. Government resolution No. 1092 stipulates that during the yellow-level threat enterprises may operate if there is a protective structure, a temporary or permanent shelter, or a safe space on the premises or site.
Until the end of the three-month transition period, enterprises without shelters may continue operating with the agreement of their workforce; after 4 December such consent will no longer be grounds for operating without a fitted shelter or safe space.
