Kyrgyzstan’s emergency minister about ongoing work in fight against coronavirus

Bishkek, Apr. 23, 2020. /Kabar/. Minister of Emergency Situations of Kyrgyzstan Zamirbek Askarov spoke about the work being done in the fight against COVID-19 coronavirus infection.

During a briefing at the Government House he said the Emergency Ministry faces a number of challenges in this fight.

According to Askarov, the first is to place under observation citizens arriving in Kyrgyzstan, and to provide them and employees working there with 3-time meals.

"As of today, there are 12 thousand free beds in the observations. We prepare food for 35 thousand 617 citizens. The state has allocated KGS 10.2 million for this purpose," he said.

Also, Zamirbek Askarov said the Emergency Ministry has been charged with disinfection works.

"As everyone knows, disinfection is the main means of combating coronavirus. About 200 units work around the clock in the period of clear weather. From March 18 to the present day, the equipment was used 886 times. 4330 employees carry out disinfection work. 27 million 392 thousand meters of roads, 32.6 million meters of outdoor facilities and about 8 million meters inside have been disinfected," the minister added.

According to Askarov, in addition, the ministry was tasked to create conditions at roadblocks set up across the country, as well as at the border.

A total of 81 roadblocks, 470 sanitary and quarantine posts have been set up, 398 employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations work involving 96 units of equipment.

"We are also working to preserve and deliver humanitarian aid being received to the country, as well as their subsequent distribution. 5 thousand 370 tons of flour have been allocated from the state reserve fund, 98% of this amount have been distributed by regions.

Also, 1 thousand tons of flour have been received from Uzbekistan. We ensured its safety and then distributed," he said.

The Emergency Minister reminded 112 hotline operates at the ministry, which receives 5-6 thousand calls daily.

"Also, the Ministry of Emergency Situations is holding an information campaign on TV channels," Minister Askarov concluded.

As of Apr. 23, a total of 631 cases of coronavirus infection has been registered in Kyrgyzstan, among them 162 cases of medical personnel infection.

302 citizens have recovered and been discharged from hospitals, 8 have died.