Uzbekistan: Authorities announce the lifting of lockdown from August 15 /update 18

Event

Uzbek authorities announced on Wednesday, August 12, that the country will start lifting its second coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown from Saturday, August 15, and promised to restore most services within days. Lockdown measures were reintroduced in July as a surge of new cases left hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of patients.

From Saturday, people will be allowed to drive again and gatherings of up to 30 people will be permitted for ceremonies such as weddings. Businesses such as hotels, outdoor cafes, and barbershops will also be allowed to reopen, while air and rail traffic are scheduled to restart from Saturday. From Monday, August 17, the country plans to open large shops, markets, and gyms.

As of August 12, authorities have confirmed 87,173 cases of COVID-19 in the country and 633 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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized. 

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 virus.