Kazakhstan: Authorities impose quarantine measures in Zharkent April 30 /update 16

Event

Regional officials imposed quarantine measures in the city of Zharkent (Almaty region) from midnight (local time) on Thursday, April 30, after the city's first case of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was confirmed. Under the measures, residents will only be able to leave their homes once a day for essential purposes, such as shopping for food and for medical reasons. Entry into and exit out of the city is prohibited and additional checkpoints have been established around the city. There has been no time frame stated for how long the measures will last. The patient who tested positive has been isolated in hospital and authorities have contacted and isolated 15 people that were established to have been in contact with the patient.

On Monday, April 27, President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev announced that commercial flights between Nur-Sultan and Almaty would resume on Friday, May 1, amid an easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Additionally, flights to Kyzylorda, Petropavlovsk, Oskemen, and Semey will resume on Monday, May 4. Certain businesses including non-food retailers, barbershops, dentists, foreign exchange kiosks, and real estate agencies will also be permitted to reopen May 4.

Additionally, on April 27 government officials extended the ongoing state of emergency until Monday, May 11. Under the state of emergency, all foreign nationals are prohibited from entering the country, while Kazakh nationals are barred from leaving. The government also reserves the right to implement domestic restrictions nationwide.

Lockdown measures remain in place in Nur-Sultan, Almaty, Shymkent, Aktau, Karaganda, Shakhtinsk, Saran, Temirtau, Abay, Atyrau, Kostanay, Aktobe, Pavlodar, Mangystau, Kyzylorda, Taraz, North Kazakhstan, and East Kazakhstan. Restrictions vary, but generally include the restriction of movement into and out of lockdown zones, the prohibition of residents from leaving their homes except to purchase essential supplies or seek medical assistance, and the closure of public spaces and non-essential businesses. Police and military presence has been increased to enforce these measures.

As of April 30, there are 3273 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Kazakhstan, including 25 deaths. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the coming days and weeks.

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.