Correspondents of “Chronicles of Turkmenistan” report that medical stations where passengers get their temperature taken have been set up at the railway stations of Mary, Yoleten and Garyb-ata.
Starting from 24 March, 2020 passages to platforms have been cordoned off with white and red tape. One passage has been left for a healthcare practitioner to measure passengers’ temperatures with the help of no-contact thermometers.
A medical train carriage has been installed at a side track where police officers escort people with an increased temperature.A doctor tests a patient by taking a sample from the ear with a cotton bud.
The passenger is subsequently barred from getting on the train.This is how the national authorities are trying to prevent the spread of coronavirus COVID-19.According to official statistics, no confirmed coronavirus cases have been recorded in Turkmenistan.
Those entering Ashgabat get their temperature taken at the entry checkpoints.However, those who arrived from Tejen told a correspondent of “Chronicles of Turkmenistan” that on 24 March, 2020 only drivers had to get their temperature taken, not passengers.
They were not requested to present other medical certificates.
Let us recall that from 19 to 22 March, 2020 non-residents were denied access to Ashgabat.
Journalists of “Chronicles of Turkmenistan” note that antiseptics and sanitizers either disappeared from Ashgabat’s pharmacies or their prices skyrocketed. For example, the price for a Turkish sanitizer, which cost 15 manats, has increased to 60.
It has recently been reported that since 24 March, 2020 all sports events have been cancelled in Turkmenistan and fitness centres have been closed.