Enhanced Lockdown Imposed in the Given Region
Tightened Quarantine Measures Announced in Akmola Region, According to Almaty.tv Citing Zakon.kz
Effective immediately, the Akmola Region in Kazakhstan has enacted new quarantine measures, as announced by the regional chief sanitary doctor, Ainagul Mussino. The following restrictions have been implemented:
- Residents are prohibited from venturing out between 23:00 and 06:00, with exceptions granted for essential workers, such as those employed by the akimat, law enforcement, emergency services, healthcare professionals, military personnel, and workers ensuring the continuation of strategic facility operations.
- Elderly residents aged 65 and above are advised to remain at home.
- Parks and recreational areas can be accessed by groups no larger than three individuals, who must maintain social distancing and wear masks to minimize the risk of transmission.
- Mass gatherings, including weddings and other family events, have been banned.
- In the Akmola Region, the ban on mass events remains in force, as does the prohibition on athletes leaving the country to participate in competitions. Entertainment facilities, such as karaoke venues, children's play areas, banquet halls, and food courts have been closed. Religious facilities have limited activities, while catering establishments can operate from 08:00 to 22:00. Grocery stores can operate from 09:00 to 22:00, and indoor markets are allowed to function on weekdays with a 30% capacity until 19:00. Shopping centers and malls can operate on weekdays with a maximum 30% capacity until 19:00; activities at these establishments are suspended on weekends.
- 'Service Centers' (CSO) and 'Kazpost' can operate from 09:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, with operations suspended on weekends. 'Kazpost' is permitted to operate on Saturdays from 09:00 to 14:00.
It should be noted that, as of mid-2025, Kazakhstan does not impose broad COVID-19 or general quarantine restrictions on travelers at the national level. Incoming travelers typically only require observance of normal precautions, with no special quarantine measures unless specific health or other compliance issues are present[1].
When it comes to pet importation, Kazakhstan follows specific regulations, but there is no mandatory quarantine for pets arriving in the country as long as all requirements are met prior to their arrival[4]. If pets fail to meet these regulations, quarantine may be imposed (if facilities are available), or pets could potentially be returned or euthanized at the owner's expense[4].
With no recent public health or official updates suggesting reintroduction of quarantine orders in Akmola or Shymkent, the emphasis remains on adherence to health protocols and compliance with international travel and trade standards[1].
[1] Travel.state.gov. (n.d.). Kazakhstan - COVID-19. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Prohibitions-on-Entering-the-United-States-by-Country-of-Origin/Kazakhstan.html
[4] Pettravel.com. (n.d.). Kazakhstan Pet Travel Restrictions and Regulations. https://www.pettravel.com/country/Kazakhstan
- In the midst of these tightened quarantine measures, workplace-wellness initiatives focusing on science and medical-conditions related to health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health could be crucial for essential workers in the Akmola Region during their long work hours.
- As the Akmola Region battles against the ongoing pandemic, it is essential for health-and-wellness practitioners to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop strategies for managing various medical-conditions that may arise due to the quarantine measures.
- Post-pandemic, there is a growing need for a comprehensive health-and-wellness program in the workplace across Kazakhstan, encompassing all aspects of physical, mental, and social health, to ensure the long-term well-being of the population, especially considering the increased focus on health and fitness during the quarantine period.
