Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan Airways extends suspension of commercial passenger flights until June 30 /update 9

Event

Uzbekistan Airways announced on Wednesday, April 29, that it has suspended ticket sales for domestic and international flights until Tuesday, June 30, due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Previously booked passengers will be eligible for a full refund on unused tickets with no refund fee until June 30 or earlier if the suspension is lifted, which will be determined by the Uzbekistan Special Republican Commission.

Previously imposed nationwide restrictions remain in effect until Saturday, May 10, to prevent the spread of the virus. Under the restrictions, citizens are only allowed to leave their homes for essential shopping or work. Shops selling construction materials, car parts, seeds, and seedlings, as well as those providing services for agricultural and construction machinery, have resumed operations. Additionally, insurers, notaries, and dry-cleaning businesses have reopened. All citizens over the age of 65 remain prohibited from leaving their homes, while self-isolation orders continue in Tashkent, Nukus, Samarkand, and other regional centers. Additionally, individuals remain prohibited from entering or exiting cities, except for those transporting goods or foreign nationals wishing to depart from the country.

Land and air borders are closed to non-Uzbek nationals, while all commercial flights and public transport remain suspended. 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 Wednesday, April 29, there are 1955 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.