Kazakhstan takes decisive steps to stop the spread of coronavirus

NUR-SULTAN, Kazakhstan – Kazakhstan, which has a 1,460-kilometre common border with China, has taken proactive measure to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Kazakhstan will allocate $10 billion for anti-crisis measures throughout the country, excluding tax benefits and local support, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym Jomart Tokayev said on March 23.
According to him, $740 million will go towards measures to boost employment.
“If each of us fulfils our duty with responsibility, I believe that we will quickly come out of this difficult situation,” Tokayev said.
On March 23, Tokayev addressed the State Commission on the current state of emergency. To prevent a further wave of infection he introduced increased quarantine measures to protect the citizens of Kazakhstan. In a move to impose more stringent measures, the President has further ensured the protection of the country’s medical services whilst reducing the threat to those citizens most at risk.
One of the important steps of the Kazakh authorities, is bonus payments of one monthly salary to doctors, police officers and other specialists involved in the fight against coronavirus, as well as to people who have lost income due to the state of emergency.
About to support enterprises, Kazakhstan’s president ordered a standstill on bank loan repayments by small and medium-sized businesses for the duration of the state of emergency, as well as a deferral of payment of all types of taxes and other obligatory payments for a period of three months.
Tokayev highlighted the necessity of entrepreneurship in the fight to maintain economic harmony. He announced new measures which will reduce fiscal pressures on these individuals. This will see tax deadlines extended and the removal of oppressive inspections. Such alleviations will see businesses have a greater ability to make decisions and take responsibility for their commercial activities.
In addition to this, Tokayev announced an additional $1.5 billion for lending to such businesses for working capital.
To protect Kazakhstan citizens against false information and rumours, Tokayev has facilitated the Ministry of Information and Public Development to deliver daily briefings. To reinforce these messages the website coronavirus2020.kz has been set up to inform the population of the Government’s official actions in the fight against coronavirus.
According to Health ministry of Kazakhstan, on March 26, a total 109
cases of coronavirus were discovered: Nur Sultan – 61, Almaty city – 40, Karaganda city – 2, Shymkent – 2, Almaty region – 1, Aktobe region – 1, Zhambyl region – 1, North Kazakhstan Region – 1.
On March 15, Tokayev declared a state of emergency across the nation. In his decree, the President stated that entry to and departure from the country is to be restricted for everyone except for diplomats and official delegations, those invited by the Government and foreigners under certain conditions.
The decree introduced quarantine measures and suspended the activities of shopping and entertainment centers. Kindergartens, schools and universities have been closed as per the recommendations of medical experts.