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  • Turkemenistan Coronavirus News

    https://www.rferl.org/a/coronavirus-.../30686406.html

    ASHGABAT -- Authorities in Turkmenistan are battling to keep a coronavirus “outbreak” secret as infection numbers rise in the only Central Asian state that continues to insist it is COVID-19-free, medical professionals there have told RFE/RL.

    Two doctors died at the Choganly infectious-diseases hospital on the outskirts of the capital last week after allegedly contracting the virus at the same facility, according to health officials in Ashgabat who requested anonymity.

    The doctors, who had been under quarantine for several days, died on June 15 and 16, the sources told an RFE/RL Turkmen Service correspondent.
    "The only security we have is our ability to adapt."

  • #2
    Turkmenistan Denies Apparent Covid-19 Outbreak

    Officials Withhold Information, Pressure Health Workers
    June 27, 2020

    Excerpt:

    The World Health Organization (WHO) is expected to send representatives to Turkmenistan in early July 2020, after seeking since at least April to visit the country. Turkmenistan should allow the WHO to conduct its visit fully in line with the organization’s terms of reference and should immediately start carrying out WHO recommendations and guidelines for Covid-19 prevention and data collection, Human Rights Watch said.

    ...The Turkmen government routinely retaliates against independent reporting inside the country. However, several organizations based in Europe with reliable sources inside Turkmenistan have reported widely about the spread of Covid-19 there. A steady stream of reports of people reporting symptoms consistent with Covid-19 began appearing in late March and early April. Radio Azatyk, the Turkmen-language service of the US government-funded Radio Liberty, told Human Rights Watch that by May, reports of an outbreak of pneumonia, which is one complication of severe Covid-19, had grown widespread.

    By mid-June, there was evidence that this outbreak was out of control. An employee with Turkmenistan’s Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases told Radio Azatyk that the outbreak was “serious, [with] some patients com[ing] in extremely serious condition,” and with fatalities.

    ...There appears to be some unspoken acknowledgment that the country is in a health crisis, Human Rights Watch said. On June 15, according to Turkmen News, the Health Ministry ordered all staff from several government agencies in Lebap province to come to work in masks citing, as Turkmen News told Human Rights Watch, the “current epidemiological situation and the need to prevent respiratory diseases.”

    https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/06/27/...id-19-outbreak

    Comment


    • #3
      U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan
      Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Ashgabat, Turkmenistan (June 23, 2020)

      Event: Reports of Infectious Disease and Quarantine of Private Citizens

      While there are no official reports of positive COVID-19 cases in Turkmenistan, the U.S. Embassy has received reports of local citizens with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 undergoing COVID-19 testing and being placed in quarantine in infectious diseases hospitals for up to fourteen days.

      The U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan is committed to protecting the health and safety of U.S. citizens and Mission employees. In an effort to mitigate the possible spread of disease, the Embassy has strengthened its social distancing measures, instituted a mask policy on premises, and is operating under maximum telework status until further notice. We recommend that U.S. citizens take appropriate measures to practice physical distancing and limit or minimize social interaction as necessary in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

      Private citizens who undergo testing for COVID-19 in Turkmenistan may be sent to involuntary quarantine at a government-selected facility at their own expense with no control over the amenities for an unspecified period of time. Medical protocols in Turkmenistan are not consistent with U.S. standards, and in the past some U.S. citizens were required to undergo medical testing unrelated to COVID-19 while in quarantine. The U.S. Embassy recommends that its citizens decline any medical procedures beyond routine, non-invasive medical examination or temperature checks.

      If you are required to go into quarantine, local authorities may or may not notify the U.S. Embassy. If you are placed into quarantine, contact the U.S. Embassy via telephone number +993 12 940045.

      Additional Actions to Take:
      • At this time, there are no commercial flights into or out of Turkmenistan. If you are interested in information about future special charter flights departing Turkmenistan, register your interest via email at AshgabatUSCitizen@state.gov.
      • U.S. citizens should keep cell phones charged, with the number of the U.S. Embassy easily accessible. U.S. citizens who plan to seek medical care and are experiencing any COVID-like symptoms should plan ahead in case of quarantine including carrying key phone numbers, preparing supplies of prescription medications or other health records, informing friends or family members of health appointments, etc.
      • Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.
      • Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
      • Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 https://tm.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ for information on conditions in Turkmenistan.
      • Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.

      Assistance:

      U.S. Embassy Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
      9 1984 Street (formerly Pushkin Street)
      Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
      Tel. +993 12 940045
      consularashgab@state.gov

      State Department – Consular Affairs
      888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
      Turkmenistan Country Information
      Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
      Follow us on Facebook

      By US Embassy Ashgabat | June 23, 2020 | Topics: Alert, News

      https://tm.usembassy.gov/health-aler...-june-23-2020/

      Comment


      • #4
        U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan
        Message for U.S. Citizens: Potential Flight Opportunities for U.S. Citizens (June 23, 2020)

        Event: The U.S. Embassy has become aware of two potential chartered flights from Turkmenabat Airport to Istanbul. The first flight may be between July 1-5 and a second flight may be scheduled between July 15-20. Please note that because of the lack of options, these flights are in high demand. Placing yourself on the list does not guarantee you will be able to purchase tickets for this flight.

        If you are interested in these flight opportunities, please email the information below to AshgabatUSCitizen@state.gov by 11 am (Ashgabat time), Wednesday, June 24th to be added to the waiting list.

        Full name as spelled in your passport
        Passport number, date of issuance and expiration, country of issuance
        Citizenship
        Date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
        Gender
        Email address
        Phone number

        Note your current location (city and country) and any special needs you may have, such as medical issues.

        **Please indicate your preference for a flight between July 1-5 or between July 15-20.

        Actions to Take:
        Assistance:

        U.S. Embassy Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
        9 1984 Street (formerly Pushkin Street)
        Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
        Tel. +993 12 940045
        consularashgab@state.gov

        State Department – Consular Affairs
        888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
        Turkmenistan Country Information
        Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
        Follow us on Facebook

        By US Embassy Ashgabat | June 23, 2020 | Topics: Alert, News

        https://tm.usembassy.gov/message-for...-june-23-2020/

        Comment


        • #5
          Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...lows-who-visit

          Turkmenistan, Which Says It Has No Covid-19, Allows WHO Visit
          By Naubet Bisenov
          July 6, 2020, 10:12 AM EDT

          WHO team is traveling to central Asian nation, Kluge says
          Neighbors Iran, Kazakhstan have struggled to contain virus

          Turkmenistan is allowing a Covid-19 team from the World Health Organization to visit after months of planning even as the reclusive dictatorship maintains it has no coronavirus cases.

          The group includes officials from Germany’s Robert Koch Institute, Hans Kluge, regional director at WHO Europe, said on Twitter on Monday, showing them boarding a Turkmenistan plane. In April, he said a WHO team would travel to the Caspian Sea nation “in the coming days.”

          Turkmenistan is one of only a dozen countries -- and the only one in Central Asia -- that have no officially reported cases of Covid-19. Its neighbors have struggled to contain the spread of the virus, with Iran experiencing its deadliest day of the pandemic on Saturday and Kazakhstan reimposing a lockdown for two weeks after cases surged...

          Comment


          • #6
            https://www.rferl.org/a/covid-19-tur.../30716159.html

            Turkmenistan


            An official of the Turkish Embassy in the Turkmen capital, Ashgabat, has died of pneumonia in the only Central Asian nation that has not officially registered a single coronavirus case.

            Citing unnamed officials at the Turkish embassy, Turkmen.news and the Turkish TRT Avaz media outlet reported that an adviser on religious issues, Kemal Uckun, died in an Ashgabat hospital overnight between July 7 and July 8.

            According to the reports, Uckun, who worked at the embassy since January 2018 was hospitalized with lung problems, a heavy cough, and a fever on June 27.
            "The only security we have is our ability to adapt."

            Comment


            • #7
              Source: https://rus.ozodlik.org/a/30717052.html

              July 10, 2020, Tashkent time: 03:00
              news
              Turkish diplomat dies of “pneumonia” in Ashgabat
              45 minutes ago



              On the night of July 8, a religious adviser to the Turkish Embassy Kemal Uchkun died in a cardiology hospital in the capital of Turkmenistan Ashgabat, Turkmen.news reported. The publication notes that the Turkish Embassy confirmed this information.

              Kemal Uchkun was hospitalized on June 27 with fever, shortness of breath, and coughing. He was diagnosed with pneumonia. It was not possible to find out whether the diplomat did a coronavirus test and what was the result, Turkmen.news reports.

              The Turkish press also reported the death of an adviser to the Turkish Embassy in Turkmenistan.

              According to TRT Avaz, Kemal Uchkun has been working at the embassy as a religious consultant since January 2018. Uchkun, who was treated in a hospital with a diagnosis of pneumonia, was in intensive care for some time due to respiratory failure. Kemal Uchkun has two children, according to the Turkish publication.

              An outbreak of acute pneumonia with symptoms of coronavirus is ongoing in Turkmenistan. In connection with the spread of the disease, hospitals are crowded, there are deaths among doctors. Quarantine zones are being created in the country, enterprises are being closed. At the same time, the country's authorities do not officially recognize the presence of COVID-19 on its territory.

              Comment


              • #8
                Source: https://www.intellinews.com/turkmeni...s-free-187143/

                Turkmenistan cancels events because of "dust in the air" and "fashion reasons", still claims to be coronavirus-free
                By bne IntelliNews July 9, 2020

                Turkmen authorities have cancelled this year’s TM Fashion show, scheduled for July 11, “for fashion reasons,” according to authorities in that country, Hronikatm reported on July 9.

                Turkmenistan like the rest of the region is suffering from the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), initially from citizens re-entering from Iran back in March. The country set up several quarantine tents as witnessed from the Iranian side of the border but has so far failed to admit it is suffering more than a handful of imported coronavirus cases. The situation has so deteriorated in recent days that Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov reluctantly has allowed the World Health Organisation (WHO) to visit after stalling in an attempt to offset any further negative press.

                The government said events in the country were cancelled “due to increased amounts of dust in the air,” and not due to the coronavirus, which it did not mention directly.

                At the same time, according to the meteorological publication Meteojurnal, there is no significant air deterioration over Turkmenistan...

                Comment


                • #9
                  Source: https://www.euro.who.int/en/countrie...id-19-response


                  WHO/Europe expert team reaches Turkmenistan to support the country’s COVID-19 response
                  07-07-2020

                  A WHO mission of 5 public health experts and epidemiologists arrived today in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, at the request of the Turkmen Government. The team will be working closely with health authorities to assess the risks and develop the response mechanisms required to tackle COVID-19.
                  During the 10-day deployment, the team aims to work together with high-level officials and public health experts in areas such as surveillance, laboratory services, patient management, infection prevention and control, risk communication, and community engagement. The experts plan to visit health-care facilities, public health centres, laboratories, emergency centres and other facilities at the national, regional and city levels.
                  The mission is part of the tailored support WHO/Europe has been providing to Member States on a regular basis. During the past months, WHO sent around 70 missions to countries in the European Region to assist with responses to COVID-19 outbreaks.
                  “This mission reflects the commitment of WHO/Europe to a strong partnership with the central Asian countries. Together with the Turkmen Government we have overcome complex travel challenges, and we are very glad we managed to reach the country today,” says Dr Catherine Smallwood, WHO/Europe’s Senior Emergency Officer and mission lead. “We look forward to working hand in hand with national and local authorities to find the best solutions to protect the health of Turkmen people from COVID-19.”
                  WHO expresses its appreciation to the Turkmen authorities for facilitating the mission and working in partnership to address the challenge of COVID-19.
                  For more information, contact:

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Source: https://www.timesca.com/index.php/ne...rus-cases-soar

                    Official in 'coronavirus-free' Turkmenistan dies of COVID-19 as suspected coronavirus cases soar

                    Tuesday, 21 July 2020 05:30
                    Written by TCA


                    ASHGABAT (TCA) — A district mayor in eastern Turkmenistan has died of the coronavirus, according to sources, as the secretive Central Asian state continues to deny the existence of COVID-19, RFE/RL's Turkmen Service reported.

                    The death of Hasan Metkuliyev, the mayor of Farap district in Lebap Province, comes amid reports that hospitals are filling up with sick patients and deaths from suspected coronavirus cases are soaring across the country.

                    Sources told RFE/RL on July 20 that the district official's wife and deputy had also tested positive for COVID-19 and were being treated at the Turkmenabat Infectious Diseases Hospital.

                    The source confirmed all district leaders in Lebap Province are currently required to undergo coronavirus testing.

                    Turkmenistan insists that the country has no cases of coronavirus, despite ample indications the virus is devastating the country.

                    A witness at a city hospital in the capital, Ashgabat, told RFE/RL that wards were filled with patients and deaths were mounting...

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      https://www.timesca.com/index.php/ne...ht-coronavirus

                      ASHGABAT (TCA) — Turkmenistan is using planes to spray disinfectants over fields and towns to battle “infectious diseases,” even as the reclusive Central Asian country continues to deny it has cases of the coronavirus, RFE/RL's Turkmen Service reported.

                      The unorthodox practice of indiscriminately spraying disinfectants from the air is raising concern that authorities may be creating larger health and environmental problems.

                      RFE/RL’s Turkmen Service reported on July 22 that the disinfectants have an “unpleasant smell” and may be damaging the health of people and animals as well as destroying crops. In cities, authorities are also using trucks to spray disinfectants on the streets.
                      ...snip

                      https://akipress.com/news:646045:EU_..._Turkmenistan/
                      AKIPRESS.COM - The European Union (EU) will supply oxygen generators, personal protective equipment and tests for COVID-19 to Turkmenistan, Trend reports.

                      The delivery is carried out within the framework of EU's Central Asia COVID-19 Crisis Response Program (CACCR), launched on July 15.

                      The program will provide healthcare professionals in the region with a total of 400,000 sets of personal protective equipment and 1,000 sets of diagnostic tests for COVID-19
                      ...snip
                      "The only security we have is our ability to adapt."

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        https://www.aljazeera.com/programmes...025048267.html
                        Turkmenistan is one of a handful of countries that has not reported a single coronavirus case during the global pandemic. Despite neighbouring Central Asian countries including Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan all battling COVID-19, Turkmenistan has so far only acknowledged the presence of pneumonia. Some critics are doubtful of the government's coronavirus-free claim and say its continued denial is risking the health of Turkmen citizens. Human rights advocates outside of Turkmenistan allege that medical workers have been silenced when it comes to the pandemic.
                        "The only security we have is our ability to adapt."

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          AUGUST 17, 2020 / 11:21 AM

                          Turkmenistan suspended train service until September 1, according to the website of Turkmen railways.

                          Passengers that arrive in Ashgabat or go to regions will have to show medical certificate from the Ministry of Health that will be valid for 3 days only since August 10, the railway company said.

                          more...

                          https://akipress.com/news:647073:Tur..._until_Sept_1/

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            No officially reported cases yet.


                            The mosques will remain closed in Turkmenistan until October 1, the Mufti's Office told Turkmenportal.

                            The mosques are closed in Turkmenistan since July 13.

                            This move is explained with the decision of the emergency commission for prevention of diseases of August 26.

                            https://akipress.com/news:647687:Tur...s_until_Oct_1/

                            Comment

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