Uzbekistan: Government allows some retailers to reopen from April 25 /update 8

Event

Authorities in Uzbekistan announced that certain retailers will be allowed to resume operations from Saturday, April 25, following a shutdown due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Shops selling construction materials, car parts, seeds, and seedlings, as well as those providing servicing for agricultural and construction machinery, will be allowed to resume operations. Additionally, insurers, notaries, and dry-cleaning businesses will also be permitted to reopen.

On Saturday, April 18, Uzbek authorities announced the extension of nationwide restrictions until Saturday, May 10, to curb the spread of COVID-19. Under the restrictions, citizens are only allowed to leave their homes for essential shopping or work.

Enhanced containment measures have been in effect in Uzbekistan as of Wednesday, April 1. All citizens over the age of 65 have been prohibited from leaving their homes. Self-isolation orders continue in Tashkent, Nukus, Samarkand, and other regional centers. All individuals are prohibited from entering or exiting the cities by any mode of transportation, except for those transporting goods or foreign nationals wishing to depart from the country. 

All land and air borders remain closed to non-Uzbek nationals and all commercial flights remain suspended. Public transportation services are suspended along with domestic flights. Restaurants, cafes, bars, fitness centers, shopping malls, and entertainment venues are closed, and public events are banned. It is compulsory to wear a facemask while outside and individuals may be fined for violating the measure.

As of Saturday, April 25, there are 1862 confirmed COVID-19 cases and eight associated fatalities in the country. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term.

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 labored 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 virus.