Turkmenistan: Authorities announce nationwide social restrictions July 13 /update 1

Event

On Monday, July 13, authorities issued orders for all residents nationwide to wear face masks in public places until further notice due to a high concentration of dust in the air. Additionally, according to media sources, the government has also advised individuals to use personal protective equipment (PPE), to maintain a social distance of at least 1m (3ft) apart when in public, and to avoid standing near air conditioners after spending time outside. The government's announcement comes following a World Health Organisation (WHO) delegation mission which examined the country's response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Officials maintain that there are no COVID-19 cases in the country; local sources, however, have stated that hospitals have been overwhelmed with patients displaying symptoms of pneumonia; some of which have succumbed to the disease.

Restrictions remain in place in efforts to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak in the country. All borders remain closed and police checks have been established in major cities. Road users, internal air, and rail passengers may be subject to temperature screenings. Further, the International Seaport of Turkmenistan at Turkmenbashi is closed to passenger traffic.

Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in 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 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.