Ukraine's Orthodox Church on Thursday urged the faithful to observe a series of measures against the spread of the novel coronavirus and allowed them not to kiss icons. Ukraine's new unified Orthodox Church, whose believers make up 35 percent of the ex-Soviet country's population, recommended that worshippers use disinfectants in temples. The faithful can also avoid kissing the icons, it said. "A sufficient manifestation of respect for the cross and icons may be a bow in front of them without kissing," the Church said in a statement. Ukraine's new unified Orthodox Church was created in 2018 after winning independence from Moscow. A conservative institution that rarely deviates from its traditions, the church said churchgoers should also exercise caution when they greet each other. The Church recommended against transferring icons and relics from their places of permanent storage. "If these recommendations are followed, there is no reason to apply restrictions on holding regular services," it added. Another major Ukrainian Church -- the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church -- also urged its believers to follow good personal hygiene. "Not touching or kissing icons may be justified," its leader Svyatoslav Shevchuk said on Facebook on Wednesday. Around 70 percent of Ukraine's 42 million people consider themselves Orthodox. Ukraine on Thursday closed schools and universities across the country and banned all major public events as part of measures to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. The country also suspended flights to Italy, the European country most affected by the virus. Ukraine has so far announced just one confirmed case of COVID-19, but there is widespread concern as many Ukrainians work in European countries hit by the disease including Italy. os-dg/as/har