Kazakhstan does not plan to introduce mask mandate

Kazakhstan does not plan to introduce a mask mandate. However, in the future it will depend on the country’s epidemic situation. According to Health Minister Azhar Giniyat, new strains of COVID-19 found in the country are now being further examined at the genetic level. The results will be ready by the end of May. Giniyat also noted that cases of infection are mostly detected in the large cities of Nur-Sultan and Almaty.

“12 regions of our country reported cases of the Stealth Omicron sub-variant. This type of coronavirus infection causes milder symptoms than the Delta strain, but it is dangerous because it spreads rapidly and leads to re-infection. So currently we are seeing that it is spreading throughout the country. Infection rate is monitored on a daily basis and all patients who start developing symptoms and those who test positive for COVID receive full treatment,” the minister said.

Giniyat also spoke about the progress of revaccination of the population. Every day the country vaccinates about 15,000 residents. Vaccination with Pfizer is underway according to the plan. As of today, its stock is one million doses.

Translation by Assem Zhanmukhanova

Editing by Saule Mukhamejanova