Kyrgyzstan: Over 140 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of April 4 /update 7

Event

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the current total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the country has reached 144, with one associated death as of Saturday, April 4. A State of Emergency remains in place until 08:00 (local time) on Wednesday, April 15, while all foreign nationals continue to be denied entry into the country. Fresh curfews have also been introduced throughout major cities in an effort to halt the spread of COVID-19; reports state that in Bishkek the curfew will commence from 20:00 to 07:00. Movements between the hours of 07:00 and 20:00 should be limited to individual only leaving their homes for food and medical essentials. Authorities have also announced that anyone going into a public place are required to wear a mask.

Similar emergency measures are in place in the cities ofOsh and Jalal-Abad, including the Nookat and Kara-Suu districts in Osh, and the Suzak district in Jalal-Abad. Nightclubs and movie theatres have also been closed since Monday, March 18, as a precautionary measure.

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 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.