Tajikistan: Health authorities confirm first COVID-19 cases April 30 /update 5

Event

The Ministry of Health announced the country's first 15 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Tajikistan on Thursday, April 30. Thus far, there have been five confirmed cases in Dushanbe province and ten in Sughd province.

Schools nationwide remain closed until Saturday, May 9, to prevent the spread of the virus. Although mosques have been closed, the country has not imposed general lockdown measures. On Sunday, April 12, Tajik authorities announced a ban on the entry and exit of all foreign nationals until further notice. Diplomatic personnel, representatives of international organizations and financial institutions, as well as their family members are exempt from the ban. Arriving travelers will be subjected to a mandatory 14-day self-isolation period under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. Land borders remain closed, and flights to and from the country are suspended.

Further international spread of the virus is expected over the coming days and weeks.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.