11 Jan 2021 | 02:11 PM UTC
Uzbekistan: Authorities extend COVID-19-related international entry restrictions through Feb. 1 /update 21
Uzbekistan extends entry restrictions for numerous countries until Feb. 1 over high COVID-19 activity; domestic restrictions in effect.
Event
Authorities in Uzbekistan have extended international entry restrictions for several countries deemed to have elevated coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity until Feb. 1. International flights connecting with Austria, Australia, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, South Africa, and the UK are suspended. Nationals and residents of these countries are barred from entering Uzbekistan. Additionally, all other travelers, including residents of Uzbekistan, who have visited one of these countries within 14 days of their arrival in Uzbekistan will be placed in a government quarantine facility.
Other international entry restrictions remain in effect. 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, South Korea, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia and Japan - are permitted to enter without restriction.
Travelers who have visited any Yellow location - including Azerbaijan and EU member states (except Spain and those listed above) - 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. All international arrivals will need to undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19; testing will take place at international airports, railway stations and land border checkpoints; those with positive test results will be quarantined in a government facility, likely for 14 days.
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.
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.
