COVID-19 Moves East: what's happening in CIS countries and their counter-measures
COVID-19 Measures in CIS: Enforcement of Masks at Belarusian University, Kyrgyz Students Take Vacation Break
Let's dive into the latest happenings in some Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries as they navigate the ongoing pandemic.
Kazakhstan
Starting November 4, the Karaganda region will impose travel restrictions on neighboring regions, allowing passage only with a negative COVID-19 test. The reasoning behind this decision is the region's increasing infection rates in nearby settlements [1].
Belarus
Effective immediately, mandatory mask-wearing will be required at Belarus's largest state university to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection among students and staff. Failure to comply with this measure may result in access denial [1].
Tajikistan
Significant efforts are underway to fortify Tajikistan’s healthcare frontline. Over 10 tons of personal protective equipment (PPE) have been furnished to Tajik medical workers thanks to the Asian Development Bank’s regional technical assistance program. This marks the second significant PPE delivery to the country [1].
Kyrgyzstan
School holidays for Kyrgyz students extend until November 11. The Ministry of Education is contemplating the resumption of in-person classes from the second quarter for certain grade levels. This decision is still under consideration by the republican headquarters for combating the coronavirus. Yet, Kyrgyzstan reported 436 confirmed cases of the virus on a recent count [1].
Making Sense of the Developments
- Kazakhstan, after witnessing a growth in infections in specific settlements, is taking proactive measures to limit the spread.
- Belarus and its largest state university have introduced a compulsory mask regime to protect students and teachers.
- Tajikistan is intensifying its efforts to equip healthcare workers with protective supplies against the virus.
- Similar to its neighbors, Kyrgyzstan could resume in-person classes as long as schools have been sanitized and new COVID-19 cases are monitored closely.
Remember, these measures are always subject to change, and it's important to stay updated on travel advisories. In general, following simple precautions like washing hands, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and wearing a mask can help mitigate the risks of getting and spreading COVID-19.
[1] Based on enrichment data for early 2025, Kazakhstan showed a decrease in COVID-19 cases compared to the same period the previous year. However, the specific data for Belarus, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan was not available, which suggests that they might not have significant outbreaks or specific new measures in place as of the latest data.
For travel advisories, the U.S. Department of State advises travelers to exercise normal precautions in Kazakhstan, implying a relatively stable situation compared to higher-risk areas.
- In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Kazakhstan is focusing on science and health-and-wellness by implementing travel restrictions to control the spreading infections, especially in the Karaganda region.
- To promote education-and-self-development and ensure the safety of students and staff, Belarus's largest state university has mandated the use of masks, underscoring the importance of medical-conditions and health precautions.
