“Express-tests cannot provide a hundred percent verification of the virus, they give only 50% accuracy. That’s why blood probes of those who died were sent to special laboratories for further testing. And only this morning it was confirmed that at least 11 deaths were caused by the A/H1N1 virus,” announced Prime Minister Timoshenko.

Over a thousand people are now in hospitals with flu symptoms, and eleven people are known to have the new strain.

Nine regions in Ukraine, which were most affected by the flu epidemics, have declared a quarantine. Schools and universities have been closed for three weeks and people are advised to avoid public places. Public servants were ordered to wear masks while on duty under penalty of fines.

The government may also limit traveling in the country to curb the spread of the virus, Prime Minister Timoshenko said on Friday. Officials also say they are monitoring drug stores to prevent a possible surge of prices for anti-flu medicines. The demand for them has already surged.

President Yushchenko has estimated that Ukraine needs more than $6 million to fight the epidemics, and has demanded that the government allocates the money.