Kazakhstan to introduce 2-week hard quarantine on July 5

NUR-SULTAN, Kazakhstan – Taken the complication of the epidemiological situation and the increase in the incidence of coronavirus infection in Kazakhstan, the state commission has decided to introduce new restrictive measures for 14 days from July 5, the press service of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan said on July 2.

The authorities introduced a ban on entertainment, sports and other public events, as well as family and commemorative events. But at the same time, individual training in the open air was allowed.

People can walk around the streets, in parks, squares, but no more than three people. The moving of persons over 65 years old is limited.

In addition, the authorities banned the activities of beauty salons, hairdressers, gyms, fitness centres, swimming pools, food and non-food covered markets, beaches, water parks, cultural facilities, museums, exhibitions, forums, conferences and other organised public events, entertainment centres, children’s preschool institutions (except for duty groups), religious facilities, etcetera. (entertainment centres in the mall, entertainment facilities, cinemas, children’s health camps, food courts, banquet halls.

The authorities are reconsidering to maintain a remote form of work for at least 80% of employees of state bodies (organisations), offices, national companies and other organisations.

At the same time, authorities allow medical centres to work by appointment. Pharmacies, grocery stores and open markets can work.

But at the same time, the authorities retained international air traffic without further expanding the list of countries and air traffic between the regions, railway communication (with restrictions).

Passenger bus service between regions will be suspended. Public transport will be limited in time.

The head of government noted that, depending on the further development of the epidemiological situation in the country, these restrictive measures can be extended for two weeks or tightened.

Earlier, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev wrote on Twitter that the government had proposed 14-day strict quarantine from July 5.

Recall, on June 29, Tokayev held a meeting on measures to counter the spread of coronavirus infection and noted that many complaints were received from residents, and akims and ministers stopped informing people. According to him, many leaders unsatisfactorily perform their duties, reprimanded and made comments.

Later, the new Health Minister Alexey Tsoi proposed to the president three scenarios for the development of the situation with COVID-19. The first – without quarantine, the second – with two-week quarantine and the third – with four-week. The third scenario, according to the head of the department, is considered the most effective in terms of breaking the chain of infection among the population, as well as preparing the appropriate infrastructure.

As of July 2, 42,574 people were infected with coronavirus in Kazakhstan, 13,845 recovered, 188 died.