10/07/2020
Regarding the COVID-19 situation in Kazakhstan
The epidemiological situation related to coronavirus in Kazakhstan is under control. The Kazakhstan’s Government is taking all necessary measures on time to combat the epidemic.
First. There were some reports in foreign media (The New York Times, The Telegraph, Express, France24, etc.) noticing that Kazakhstan has entered the list of states with the fastest rates of COVID-19 spread.
In addition, the publications mistakenly wrote about supposedly repeated introduction of a strict lockdown in Kazakhstan while in fact the country announced a two-week quarantine measures.
Such highlights led to a certain misunderstanding of the situation in Kazakhstan and, as a result, to the exaggeration of epidemiological risks coming from the Republic of Kazakhstan in the media.
Second. Since the beginning of July this year, asymptomatic forms of COVID-19 in Kazakhstan have been added to the overall morbidity rate. As result the rate of infection growth has also increased significantly.
It is well known that both forms of the disease (as with symptoms, as asymptomatic) pose a potential danger to the wider public. Before July, the separate recording was carried out.
It is clear that change of record methodology has led to the fact that all cases that were not previously taken into account, were included in the national statistics.
As a result, this led to misinterpretation of the figures.
Third. Currently, there are about 48 874 cases of COVID-19 in Kazakhstan (07.07.2020), including 25 021 – with symptoms, 23 553 – asymptomatic, 1403 cases per day. The increase is about 3.0%.
Cured – 24,990 patients (51.1%, thus more than half recovered). Continue receiving treatment – 23,324 patients. Passed away – 260.
In June, the rate of virus replication in Kazakhstan was 1.3. Over the last few weeks, there is a decrease in this indicator in dynamics to 1.05.
In total, there are 11.5 million infected people registered globally. Mortality rate is 4.6% (536 thousand people). Incidence rate in the United States is 2.9 million people, 681.2 thousand people in Russia, 48.8 thousand people in Kazakhstan.
Mortality rate in the USA is 4.4%, 1.5% in Russia, and 0.5% in Kazakhstan. According to COVID-19 map of Johns Hopkins University, Kazakhstan ranks 35th by confirmed cases.
Fourth. Kazakhstan consistently carries out a mass testing programme.
In total, 1,631,817 COVID-19 laboratory tests were conducted (8746 per 100 thousand people), with the following results: 48,874 tested positive, 1,582,943 tested negative.
According to worldometers.info, today Kazakhstan ranks 19th in the world in terms of population testing, country ranks 54th in terms of the number of infected per 1 million people and ranks 113th in mortality. The difference in these indicators shows the effectiveness of measures taken in the country.
Thus, international statistics demonstrate the continued moderate dynamics of the epidemiological situation in Kazakhstan.
Note: quarantine in Kazakhstan will last between July 5-19.
The restrictions include ban on holding mass gatherings, as well as family events and memorials. The beauty salons, hairdressers, gyms, fitness centers, pools, indoor markets, beaches, water parks, culture facilities, entertainment centers, religious facilities, cinemas, kindergartens, children health camps and other institutions also suspended their activities.
At least 80% of employees of public institutions, offices, national companies and other organizations continue remote working.
It has been also decided to limit the movement of people to walking in groups of three or less. The medical centers, pharmacies, grocery stores, open markets will continue operating during this period.
Open air restaurants, construction and industrial plants with a continuous production cycle, open air agricultural and construction works will continue to operate under enhanced sanitary and disinfection measures.
The auto service and appliance maintenance will also continue in operation.
International air traffic will continue without further expansion of the list of countries. At the same time, domestic air flights and trains will be limited. The interregional bus services and city buses are suspended for the period of the quarantine.
