Due to the increase in the coronavirus cases and the detection of omicron strain in Uzbekistan, the Anti-COVID-19 Commission on Sunday decided to harshen lockdown measures in the country.

According to the Ministry of Health, according to the decision of the commission:

Face masks should ve worn, compliance with social distance and sanitary and hygienic rules in public places to be observed at all times.

At entrances to all organizations, enterprises and institutions, large shopping centers, supermarkets, entertainment venues, control of presence of masks and observance of the distance, as well as checking body temperature, should be provided.

The heads of ministries and departments, as well as all organizations, regardless of their form of ownership, shall admit employees to their workplaces after they are vaccinated. Measures in accordance with the law will be applied to the heads of organizations that violate this requirement, the statement said.

Immunization of the population will be stepped up, including with booster doses.

The heads of universities shall be personally responsible for vaccinating all students during the holidays.

Ministries, departments and other state organizations and business associations are prohibited from holding any events.

From January 15, all arriving in Uzbekistan from abroad must have a negative PCR test result obtained at least 48 hours before arrival.

In the absence of a certificate, those arriving must pass an express coronavirus test at the airport, train station or border checkpoint.

Uzbek citizens returning from Umrah pilgrimage from Saudi Arabia will take a PCR or rapid coronavirus test in Saudi Arabia. The test must be negative to return.