Uzbekistan has provided humanitarian aid to Tajikistan to respond to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.

Eighteen train cars carrying 1,000 tons of wheat flour and medical protective equipment, including disinfectants, medical gowns, disposable medical gloves, medical eyeglasses, face masks and disposable medical shoe covers, reportedly arrived in Dushanbe today.  

According to the Uzbek Embassy in Dushanbe, the humanitarian aid was sent to Tajikistan on the personal instruction of President Shavkat Mitrziyoyev.  

Deputy Prime Minister Azim Ibrohim and Health Minister Nasim Olimzoda met the Uzbek train with humanitarian aid at the Dushanbe railway station. 

Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus cases is increasing in Uzbekistan itself.  People infected with a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have been identified in all regions of Uzbekistan.  Citing Uzbekistan’s Health Ministry, RIA Novosti says 11 new cases of coronavirus were reported on April 8, bringing a total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 545.  30 patients have reportedly recovered.  Three coronavirus-linked deaths have been reported in Uzbekistan as of April 8, 2020. 

About 100,000 people have reportedly been quarantined in Uzbekistan.

Uzbek authorities introduced a mandatory self-isolation regime in Tashkent.  All persons over the age of 65 are forbidden to leave their homes.