Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, who was appointed as the head of the formed National Commission for Prevention and Spread of Covid-19, reported on measures taken by the government to prevent the spread of coronavirus at a briefing Sunday.

Vacations in pre-schools, schools (both public and private) and universities will begin on March 16. Students from provinces will be given 50% discount on transportation services. During the holidays, TV channels will broadcast TV-lessons.

All mass events are now canceled, including sports, cultural (including concerts) and others. The celebration of Navruz and related public events is canceled. Citizens are advised to refrain from visiting crowded places.

In all state bodies and non-governmental organizations, meetings must be cancelled, and to be held online.

The government advised religious institutions to refrain from holdign public events.

The production of face masks will be increased by 10 times to prevent shortages in pharmacies. The export of masks is suspended from Monday.

Manufacturers and retailers who will speculate on prices for medicines and medical devices have been warned of liability.

The head of government also noted that media disseminating fake news could be held accountable under applicable laws.

Charter flights may be organized for Uzbeks abroad, with further 2-week quarantine. Special flights will be organized for foreigners who wish to depart from Uzbekistan.

Abdulla Aripov did not name the measures taken by the authorities as a state emergency. He urged the public not to panic, emphasizing that similar measures were being taken in all countries of the world.

On March 15, the first case of coronavirus was registered in Uzbekistan. The infection was detected in a woman who arrived from Paris.

Uzbekistan Airways has cancelled all of its flights to foreign destinations from March 17 to April 5.

The company will refund for cancelled flights at the place of purchase. It is possible to exchange tickets for a different date after April 5.