10 Dec 2020 | 12:52 PM UTC
Uzbekistan: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 international entry restrictions and social-distancing mandates as of Dec. 10 /update 19
Uzbekistan maintaining COVID-19 international entry restrictions and social-distancing mandates as of Dec. 10; business disruptions likely.
Event
Uzbekistan is maintaining international entry restrictions as of Dec. 10 as part of measures to control the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Authorities have designated countries Green, Yellow, or Red depending on their assessment of the epidemiological threat in each. As of the most recent review, the designations are as follows:
Arrivals from Green locations - including China, Thailand, Malaysia, Georgia, Hungary, Japan, Latvia, and South Korea - are permitted to enter without restriction.
Travelers who have visited any Yellow location - including Azerbaijan and EU member states (except Spain) - within the previous 10 days must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.
Nonresidents who have visited any Red location - all remaining countries - within the previous 10 days are prohibited from entry. Uzbek nationals returning from a Red country will be quarantined in a state facility for 14 days.
All international arrivals are likely to be assessed for COVID-19 and could face mandatory isolation in a government facility if they display symptoms.
Most nonessential businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and houses of worship, have reopened with sanitization and social distancing protocols in place. Private gatherings of up to 30 persons are now permitted. Certain measures remain in place nationwide. All persons are required to comply with social-distancing guidelines of 2 meters (6.5 feet) and wear facemasks while in public. Medical screenings may be conducted before entering grocery stores and markets.
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
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for possible ground shipping and travel delays; seek alternative routes and shipping methods for time-sensitive cargo.
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.
