Uzbekistan: President Mirziyoyev announces certain trains and flights to resume shortly May 13 /update 10

Event

On Wednesday, May 13, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced that train and air links between the capital and remote regions will resume shortly as measures to combat the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are relaxed, though no exact date was specified. Flights between Tashkent, Nukus, Urgench, and Termez will resume, as well as rail services between Tashkent, Samarkand, Navoi, Bukhara, Karshi, and the Fergana Valley, including the high-speed Afrosiyob service.

Authorities have begun to gradually ease restrictions since early May; many businesses have been permitted to resume operations and shops selling construction materials, car parts, seeds, and seedlings, as well as those providing services for agricultural and construction machinery, among others, have reopened. Additionally, insurers, notaries, and dry-cleaning businesses have reopened.

Authorities have also divided the country into red, yellow, and green zones based on the level of COVID-19 cases present, with fewer restrictions in yellow and green zones. Red zones include Karakalpakstan, Andijan, Namangan, Fergana, Samarkand, the Tashkent region, Bukhara, and Syrdarya. Yellow zones include Surkhandarya, Khorezm, and Tashkent city, and green zones include Navoi, Jizzak, and Kashkadarya. Private cars may circulate without restriction in green zones, while in yellow and red zones they may only circulate from 07:00-10:00 (local time) and 17:00-20:00.

Uzbekistan Airways announced suspended ticket sales for domestic and international flights on Wednesday, April 29, until Tuesday, June 30. Previously booked passengers are 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.

Land and air borders are closed to non-Uzbek nationals. 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 May 14, health authorities have confirmed 2620 COVID-19 cases across Uzbekistan, including 11 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is 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.