Authorities in Kazakhstan have reintroduced a partial lockdown amid a spike in the number of coronavirus cases in the country, according to Radio Liberty.
The government announced on July 2 that the two-week restriction will start on July 5.
The restrictions include a ban on public events, entertainment, sports events, and mass celebrations of family events or commemorations. Limitations on the movement of people will also be implemented.
Outdoor gatherings of more than three people will be prohibited.
"The banned activities will include operations of beauty salons, hairdressers, fitness centers, gyms, indoor and outdoor markets, beaches, aquaparks, all cultural [places of interest], museums, exhibition halls, conferences, mosques and churches, preschool institutions, cinemas, children's summer camps, etc.," the government said in a statement, adding that at least 80 percent of employees of state organizations and companies will work remotely.
Radio Liberty says Kazakh Prime Minister Asqar Mamin said at the government's July 2 session that the two-week quarantine may be extended for another 14-day period or tightened further if need be.
The spread of the virus intensified in Kazakhstan after a state of emergency declared on March 16 was lifted on May 11.
The Word Health Organization has designated Kazakhstan as a country experiencing a "rapid" spread of the coronavirus.
Kazakh health authorities said on July 2 that the number of coronavirus cases in the country reached 42,574, of which 14,059 people recovered and 188 died.
Faced with a spike in coronavirus cases in Uzbekistan, the Uzbek authorities have also re-imposed measures in some areas, reversing course after slowly rescinding a mid-March lockdown. A government commission on efforts to slow the outbreak said on June 30 that as of July 1, public transportation will be limited and no more than three people will be allowed to gather between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. on weekends in the regions with registered coronavirus cases. Additionally, a curfew from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. will be imposed on weekends. Only people who need urgent medical assistance will be allowed to leave their homes during the curfew, the commission said. Uzbek health authorities said on June 30 that the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country was 8,298, of whom 5,495 people recovered, while 24 patients have died.
