Turkmenistan has become one of almost thirty countries in the world (the list primarily includes island countries as well as South Korea, Tajikistan, Yemen and some African countries), the authorities of which are denying confirmed coronavirus cases.
The novel virus has already reached the neighouring states whereas the widespread pandemic is rampant in Iran.
However, Radio “Azatlyk”, with reference to its sources, reports several cases of coronavirus COVID-10 in Turkmenistan as well as 10 passengers allegedly infected with coronavirus, who arrived in the port of Turkmenbashi from Azerbaijan on a ferry. A correspondent of “Chronicles of Turkmenistan” has previously learned from a medical doctor from the infectious diseases hospital in Ashgabat that a lot of patients with respiratory infections have been admitted to the hospital but all of them are officially diagnosed with acute respiratory viral infection.
One case of a Turkmen national infected with coronavirus has been identified overseas. An elderly woman from Turkmenistan tested positive in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Despite the official statements about no confirmed cases, large-scale prevention measures are underway in Turkmenistan: in public places and bank officers people are provided with sanitizers to wipe their hands and are requested to use a mouth spray; at the train stations and at entry checkpoints in Ashgabat residents get their temperature taken; the municipal buses are disinfected with a chlorine solution.
Even bus stops are washed with an unidentified sanitizer.
Foreign Embassies in Ashgabat have switched to a remote work mode. The USA and Russia announced that no visa applications would be accepted.
Diplomats also refused to take part in a large-scale clean-up campaign held in Ashgabat on 21 March, 2020.
On 28 March, 2020 Russia and the USA evacuated their nationals from Turkmenistan along with nationals of some other countries.
The executives of the Ashgabat market “Altyn Asyr” have warned vendors that Sunday, 29 March, will be their last working day. Starting from 1 April, 2020 (on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays) the market will be closed until further notice.
Since 24 March, 2020 all sports events have been cancelled and fitness clubs have been closed.
According to the news outlet Turkmen news, restaurants and cafes have also been shut down since that date.
Since 25 March, 2020 the entry and exit to the city of Serkhetabat (formerly, Kushka) has been closed.
At the same time, the authorities are trying to make little or no reference to the global pandemic of coronavirus.
Correspondents of “Chronicles of Turkmenistan” report that the reference to coronavirus has disappeared from the booklets devoted to prevention of viral diseases which are distributed by Turkmenistan’s Healthcare Ministry.
According to Radio “Azatlyk”, however, police officers can detain residents only for the conversation pertaining to the outbreak of the virus.
Large-scale festive events bringing together public sector employees and students have not been cancelled.
Various concerts, conferences and meetings devoted to the 25th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality and other memorable dates, are held across the country on a daily basis.
In the meantime Turkmen media outlets are inviting the country’s residents to picnics and health resorts in the mountains.