Kazakhstan: Authorities remove Nur-Sultan from red zone for COVID-19 infections Dec. 18 /update 28

Event

Authorities in Kazakhstan have updated the list of regions under strict quarantine regimes due to high coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity as of Dec. 18. Under the system, regions of the country are divided into various zones - red, yellow, or green - depending on local disease activity. Atyrau Region has been added to the red zone, while Nur-Sultan has been removed and added to the green zone. Strict quarantine measures will now apply in Atyrau Region.

Restrictive measures that apply in the red zone include:

Sanitary checkpoints on roads approaching settlements where the daily incidence of COVID-19 exceeds 10 new infections per day.
Suspension of public transport on weekends and public holidays.
No standing passengers are allowed on public transport.
Freight transporters may not enter these regions without evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken within the preceding 72 hours; transporters who fail to produce such evidence will be placed in a quarantine facility for at least two days.
Operating hours have been reduced and capacity restricted at restaurants, cafes, theaters, cinemas, shopping malls, and leisure facilities.
Places of worship and cultural venues are not permitted to open.

Areas in the yellow zone include the regions of Akmola, Kostanay, Pavlodar, and North Kazakhstan. Authorities previously tightened restrictions that apply in the yellow zone:

Persons over the age of 65 are prohibited from visiting libraries, theaters, and museums.
Public events, sporting events, weddings, and mass rallies are banned.
Public transport operates 0600-2300 on weekdays and is suspended on Sundays.
Catering establishments may only operate 2300-0700.
Shopping centers must close at 1700 on Saturdays and are not permitted to operate on Sundays.

The rest of the country is in the green zone and subject to nationwide restrictions:

Public transportation and nonessential businesses are operating in the green zone, including shopping centers, retailers, covered markets, salons, and restaurants; all establishments must operate at reduced capacity, enforce social distancing, and provide hand sanitizer.
Residents may exercise in groups of no more than five people.
Public events, including weddings, may not exceed 10 participants.
Recreational and cultural facilities, such as cinemas, nightclubs, and bowling alleys, may not operate on weekends.
Authorities continue to recommend that establishments allow employees to work from home.
Residents must wear protective facemasks and practice social distancing at all times while in public.
Additionally, persons over 65 years of age are not permitted to leave their accommodation except in an emergency.

Authorities continue to maintain international travel restrictions. Authorities have extended the suspension of the visa-free travel regime until May 1, 2021. Authorities have also suspended 72-hour visa-free stays in Kazakhstan for Chinese and Indian nationals. However, flights with several countries have resumed, including Belarus, Egypt, Germany, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, the Netherlands, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Uzbekistan, though capacity is likely to be limited. Authorities have reduced flights with Turkey, Germany, the UAE, Belarus, and Ukraine since Oct. 24; the exact level of the reductions is unclear.

Most arrivals, including Kazakh nationals, must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival in Kazakhstan. These restrictions do not apply to diplomats, aircrews, train crews, ship crews, and cross-border workers; however, freight truck drivers must now provide a negative test. Returning Kazakh nationals who do not produce a negative test upon arrival will be tested and placed in quarantine for at least two days; symptomatic individuals will be hospitalized, while asymptomatic individuals must self-isolate for a further 12 days.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions.

Advice

Check access requirements if traveling to major cities, minimize movement within any quarantined zones; allow additional time for travel. Reconfirm all flights and business appointments. Follow all official directives. Abide by national health and safety measures. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Prepare for freight delivery disruptions. Consider delaying or detouring goods. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.