Enhanced Lockdown Implemented in Almaty
Almaty, Kazakhstan, has implemented new COVID-19 restrictions in response to an increase in cases, but the city is not under full lockdown unless hospital daily case growth exceeds 100–150 infected persons. The measures, which focus on targeted restrictions rather than total lockdowns, aim to prevent the spread of the virus through masks and operational adjustments.
The Department of Public Health of Almaty has determined specific hospitals to isolate and treat COVID-19 patients with mild and asymptomatic forms in guarded conditions until the virus is no longer detected. Service transport will be organized for the delivery of workers to industrial, construction, and automotive enterprises.
Restrictions on mass gatherings remain in effect, and there is continued emphasis on wearing face coverings (masks) in public spaces. To reduce the load on public transport, 60-80% of employees in organizations with 15 or more staff will be switched to remote work during case surges.
The announced measures will also apply to places of entertainment for young people such as nightclubs, cafes, restaurants, and other public facilities. New Year's parties and corporate events remain prohibited due to the tense coronavirus situation. People aged 65 and above are recommended to avoid leaving their homes unless necessary.
Shopping centers and retail outlets will limit their operating hours to 17:00 on Saturdays and will be closed on Sundays for sanitization. Catering establishments, including those located in shopping centers, will operate from 07:00 to 23:00 with a maximum capacity of 50 seats, without collective events, in accordance with the requirements of RK Government Resolution No.57, and with payment settlement by 22:00.
Following the proposal of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, "non-contact" businesses such as dry cleaners, tailors, repair shops, car washes, and STO will not be restricted. The opening of additional shifts in kindergartens and schools will be suspended.
The observance of mask and social distancing regimes will be strengthened in shops and pharmacies. The reduction in infections in public transport has decreased from 21% to 16-18%, and the reduction in infections in public places has decreased from 34% to 24% in November.
Additional restrictive measures will be taken to further contain the spread of the coronavirus. The main state sanitary doctor of Almaty, Zhandarbek Bekshin, announced strengthened quarantine measures.
In summary, Almaty maintains partial restrictions with mask mandates and readiness for escalation, avoiding full lockdown unless infection growth exceeds specified high thresholds.
- The Department of Public Health in Almaty has decided to isolate and treat COVID-19 patients with mild and asymptomatic forms in guarded conditions, using specific hospitals.
- To maintain workplace-wellness and prevent the spread of the virus, 60-80% of employees in certain organizations will be shifted to remote work during case surges.
- In addition to workplaces, places of entertainment for young people such as nightclubs, cafes, restaurants, and other public facilities will also be subject to the announced restrictions.
- As part of the health-and-wellness focus, the reduction in coronavirus infections in public transport and public places has shown improvement, with a decrease from 21% to 16-18% and 34% to 24% respectively in November.
