Khistevarz, the largest jamoat (the third-level administrative division, which is subdivided into villages) in the Tajik northern province of Sughd, has been partially closed due to coronavirus concerns.  Head physician of local hospital is quarantined.  

Khistevarz (formerly Kistakuz) with a total population of 62,035 is located in the Bobojon-Ghafouov district, which borders Kyrgyzstan.

Local authorities fear the penetration of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) from the neighboring country.  

Resident of Khistevarz, who introduced himself as Akram, told Asia-Plus Tuesday evening that for the purpose of preventing the spread of COVID-19, local authorities have decided to temporarily close all roads connecting Khistevarz and the village of Borborduk in Kyrgyzstan’s Leilek district.  

According to him, all streets and roads connecting the jamoat and the Kyrgyz village are closed and police posts have been established.   

“Local residents are charged with reporting to authorities if they spot Kyrgyz citizens in Tajik territory,” Akram said.   

Meanwhile, head physician of local hospital, Ms. Roudoba Madaminova, has been put in quarantine after examining the patient having a fever.   

“I examined the women, who returned from Russia in mid-March and 13 days later she had a fever. She began self-medicating at home.  We sent her to the infectious diseases hospital, where she was put in quarantine.  Six members of her family were also put in quarantine.  The man who brought her to the hospital and me were put in quarantine as well.  The woman and all members of her family have been tested for COVIN-19.  All the test results were negative,” Ms. Madaminova told Asia-Plus in an interview.    

The head physician also noted that she was well.   

Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus cases is Kyrgyzstan.  Citing the republican commission for combating COVID-19, RIA Novosti says 10 new cases of coronavirus were reported in Kyrgyzstan on April 9, bringing a total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 280, including 34 medical workers.  Four coronavirus-linked deaths have been reported in Kyrgyzstan as of April 9, 2020.

A state of emergency was introduced in Kyrgyzstan due to coronavirus outbreak.