Kazakhstan on July 5 became the first nation in the world to re-impose a country-wide lockdown after its easing in mid-May of largely successful measures to counter   coronavirus sparked a surge in a two-month lockdown with just a few thousand confirmed Covid-19 cases. 

Kazakhstan has reportedly reinstituted a lockdown regime, to last two weeks, in response to a sharp uptick in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases.

The Prime Minister’s office said on July 2 that the restrictions on movement, which will come into effect on July 5, could be extended and made harsher if the epidemiological situation worsens.

Mass gatherings, including family events, are prohibited.  People may circulate on the streets in groups no greater than three.  People over 65 years of age cannot leave home.  Fitness exercises on the street are permitted, though.

Beauty salons, sports facilities, swimming pools, covered markets, beaches, cultural facilities, entertainment centers, kindergartens and places of prayer have closed their doors.  Shopping centers will continue to operate, but entertainment facilities within them, like bowling alleys and cinemas, will not.

According to Eurasianet, at least 80 percent of office workers will be required to work remotely.

Medical centers, pharmacies, grocery stores, markets, open-air cafes, construction and industrial enterprises, service stations, car washes and banks will continue to cater to customers, but with time constraints.

Kazakh health authorities said on July 6 that the number of coronavirus cases in the country reached 49,683, of which 16,183 people recovered and 264 died.