Ukraine on Friday shut schools, banned large public gatherings and imposed travel restrictions for three weeks – some of the most drastic measures taken across the globe to contain swine flu – after confirming that a sudden and swift outbreak has claimed at least 11 lives.

Campaigning for the hotly contested presidential contest in January has also been put off. Observers said the far sweeping moves to combat the flu are partly rooted in the political rivalry between Victor Yushchenko, president, and Yulia Tymoshenko, his prime minister, with each trying to outdo the other and be seen assertively handling the outbreak.