19 August 2024 | 16:45

Kazakhstan reintroduces mask mandate for hospitals

©️ Tengrinews.kz / Alikhan Sariyev

Tengrinews.kz - A decree by Acting Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Kazakhstan Nurkan Sadvakassov, has been published, which provides for the return of mask regime for medical workers in hospitals.

The document requires healthcare management in Kazakhstan to prepare medical organizations for influenza vaccination starting September 1, including:

Preparing a list of individuals for influenza vaccination by September 1 of the current year;
Ensuring compliance with vaccine storage and transportation requirements;
Setting up vaccination clinics and teams for administering vaccines and providing emergency care for complications.

The document also provides for the implementation of a mask regime for healthcare workers in medical organizations; influenza vaccinations starting from September 15; readiness of medical organizations to receive patients with influenza, ARVI, and COVID-19 during the epidemic season, and availability of personal protective equipment.

Plans include expanding additional infectious disease beds if illness rates increase, preparing medical workers to treat influenza, ARVI, COVID-19, and pneumonia, and ensuring adherence to anti-epidemic measures.

Education officials are required to monitor attendance daily, investigate reasons for absences, and inform medical organizations. They will also conduct morning checks for signs of ARVI, influenza, and COVID-19.

Additionally, education departments are instructed to ensure:

Timely removal of children showing symptoms of influenza, ARVI, and COVID-19 identified during morning checks.
Isolation of sick children until their parents arrive.

By September 1, 2024, the readiness of medical organizations to operate during an increase in illness rates will be assessed.

On August 16, the Ministry of Health issued a statement regarding the COVID-19 situation in Kazakhstan. According to the ministry, 1,290 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded since the beginning of this year. In most cases, the disease has presented in a mild form.

Ministry of Healthcare announced preventive measures for upcoming epidemic season.