Kyrgyzstan: Authorities formalize international travel restrictions September 26 /update 15

Event

On Saturday, September 26, the Republican Headquarters for Combating the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) approved a decree for crossing international borders, setting out requirements for international arrivals into the country. According to the decree, as of Monday, October 5, passengers on international and domestic flights will be required to wear face masks and social distancing must be adhered to. Passengers are subject to temperature checks, health questionnaires, and must provide a negative polymerase reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test issued within 72 hours of arrival. Kyrgyzstan nationals, diplomats, and children under seven will not be required to provide a negative test.

The announcement on restrictions comes amid the gradual resumption of international flights. Authorities had already opened land borders and allowed arrivals from Russia and neighboring countries earlier in September. As of Wednesday, September 30, arrivals are permitted from Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, China, Georgia, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Pakistan, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Slovenia, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Turkmenistan, the UAE, the UK, and Uzbekistan. Arrivals from all other countries are not permitted, apart from under a few exceptional circumstances.

Most businesses and public spaces in Kyrgyzstan have reopened, with some limits on operating capacities and under certain health protocols. Events and public gatherings remain prohibited and cinemas, entertainment centers, and nightclubs remain closed. Some intercity public transport also remains suspended.

As of Friday, October 2, authorities have confirmed 47,056 cases of COVID-19 in Kyrgyzstan, with 1065 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is to be 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 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.