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On May 11, the Kazakh authorities lifted the state of emergency imposed by the President of the Republic on March 15. Despite the cancellation of the special order, the quarantine regime remains in effect in a number of regions and cities. The authorities are gradually and cautiously introducing concessions to return to "post-viral life."
As a rule, the Kazakh president may impose a state of emergency for up to 30 days for municipalities or up to 60 days for regions. If the situation has not been resolved, the president has the right to extend the state of emergency for another 30 days or less. The number of such extensions is not limited by law. As soon as the circumstances have improved and there are no more reasons to maintain the state of emergency, the president may cancel the order in full or in part at any point before it officially expires.
Quarantine is an additional emergency measure which, at the end of an emergency, can proceed further. Tough quarantine measures during the COVID-19 pandemic required self-isolation and prohibited leaving one’s house without a good reason. Today, Kazakhstan has implemented the third phase of lifting the quarantine so as to gradually restore livelihoods and the country's economy. In cities, police checkpoints have been eliminated, a number of companies have resumed operations, and people are free to move around the city. Even so, residents are still officially requested to avoid unnecessary movement and social interaction.
Today, Kazakhstan has implemented the third phase of lifting the quarantine so as to gradually restore livelihoods and the country's economy. In cities, police checkpoints have been eliminated, a number of companies have resumed operations, and people are free to move around the city. Even so, residents are still officially requested to avoid unnecessary movement and social interaction.
There are also positive changes at international borders: drivers are being detained at the borders for only 2 days for COVID-19 testing. After receiving a negative result, a driver may cross the Kazakh border and proceed to the unloading point.
Subject to full compliance with sanitary standards and epidemiological safety, the restoration of international flights is planned from the beginning of July. Both citizens and non-citizens will be able to travel to other regions.
Food industry businesses, logistics operators, construction companies, and non-food stores with an area up to 200 m2 were the first to open. From May 25, non-food stores with an area of over 200 m2 as well as shopping and entertainment centers will welcome buyers. However, food courts and entertainment venues such as movie theaters and playgrounds will not be open until the next phase of lifting the quarantine.
In June, we expect the opening of non-food bazaars. The country will once again be importing construction products and consumer goods, clothing and shoes, and a wide range of materials related to food products, from packaging to food additives.
“Our customers are getting back to work, and the number of orders is increasing. During the pandemic, there was essential freight only – mainly food products. We expect that with the opening of shopping and entertainment centers, orders for non-food products will pick up again. Fashion & Beauty trends will resume regarding seasonal clothes, shoes, cosmetics, and perfumes,” commented Margarita Dyadyaeva, AsstrA Almaty Office Manager and Kazakhstan Region Country Manager.