Ukraine Sets New Hospital Rules Amid New Two-Level Air Raid Alert System

Led by Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, Ukraine’s government has ordered hospitals to continue life-saving procedures – such as surgery, resuscitation and intensive care – even during a red-level air threat, when patients and medical personnel must otherwise move to shelters immediately.Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi announced the new rules on Monday, Sept. 10, building on the two-level air threat system unveiled earlier this month.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.“Emergency medical services will operate without interruption. Patients with urgent conditions will be admitted regardless of the threat level,” Koretskyi said.Hospitals to operate under both yellow and red air alertsThe new system was imposed due to Russia’s increasingly changing attack tactics, designed to provide the public with more clarity over the level of danger while allowing parts of the economy to keep operating during less severe threats.The yellow alert is primarily used for incoming drone strikes, while the red alert signals ballistic and other missile threats, alongside mass attacks.The new measures announced by Koretskyi require hospitals to provide medical care, dispense medications and accommodate patients inside shelters or other designated safe areas.Under a yellow-level alert, medical facilities will continue operating, but must provide employees, patients and visitors with unrestricted access to shelters.Medical personnel and patients must immediately move to shelters under a red-level alert. However, procedures that cannot be safely interrupted will continue, and patients who cannot be relocated will be provided with treatment in the safest available areas of the facility. Other Topics of Interest Russian Attack Destroys Pet Retailer Warehouse in Kyiv Region A Russian overnight missile and drone attack destroyed a warehouse belonging to Suziria Group, the parent company of Ukraine's largest pet store chain MasterZoo, in the Kyiv region. Emergency dispatch centers will continue to accept calls and ambulance crews will respond to patients regardless of the threat level, Koretskyi said.The government also instructed authorities to strengthen protections around operating rooms, intensive care units, maternity wards and admissions departments.The measure additionally covers rooms containing backup power supplies and critical medical equipment.Metro running through drone alerts as wellBeyond the hospitals, the government recommended earlier in September that Kyiv keep its metro operating normally during yellow-level alerts.The capital should also increase surface public transportation when necessary, allowing people to reach workplaces, metro stations and hospitals despite ongoing drone threats.Kyiv shortens night curfewKyiv authorities have adopted a new curfew as well, shortening the restriction by one hour.The curfew now runs from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., instead of starting at midnight.Since taking office amid a broader cabinet reshuffle on July 16, Koretskyi introduced measures aimed at reinforcing Ukraine’s resilience, including a winter preparedness plan centered on energy systems, fuel reserves and physical protection for critical infrastructure.Ahead of the Sept. 1 school reopening, the government also introduced new security measures requiring local authorities to protect children by limiting large ceremonies in high-risk areas and ensuring rapid access to shelters. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.