Turkmenistan: Authorities extend suspension of international flights until October 31 /update 2

Event

Authorities in Turkmenistan have extended the suspension of international flights until at least October 31 as part of efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). All land borders with Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan remain closed until further notice. Only Turkmen nationals, permanent residents, diplomats, and workers in critical industries are permitted to enter the country. Those who do arrive must undergo a 14-day quarantine period at a state-run facility. All those departing the country must possess a negative COVID-19 certificate signed within the previous 24 hours.

Domestic flights have resumed but on a reduced schedule and with strict protocols in place. Domestic rail services remain suspended until at least November 1. Inter-provincial travel is now permitted; however, checkpoints remain on many highways and health screenings are still being carried out.

Shopping malls, entertainment venues, leisure facilities, cultural venues, houses of worship, and sports facilities remain closed indefinitely. Restaurants and cafes are only open for deliveries. Schools have reopened with stringent health measures in place. Face coverings and maintaining a social distance if 1 meter (3ft) are mandatory in public.

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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

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

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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.