There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Turkmenistan. This was stated by the senior emergency specialist of the WHO European Office, the head of the WHO mission in Turkmenistan, Dr. Catherine Smallwood, speaking at a briefing on July 15, dedicated to the results of the visit of experts of the World Health Organization to our country.

The first stage of the briefing was held at the exhibition center of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan with the participation of heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited in Ashgabat, national healthcare, and media representatives. The second part of the meeting with the members of the WHO mission took place later in the building of the UN mission in Turkmenistan, where representatives of international organizations and the media were connected via video link.

During her speech, the head of the WHO mission noted that with the support of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the experts visited hospitals, public health centers, laboratories and three border checkpoints, including the international seaport in Turkmenbashi.

“Based on our observations, we have come to the conclusion that the country is fully aware of the danger that the virus currently poses and is taking steps to prepare for a response to the spread of COVID-19,” Smallwood added.

The head of the mission stressed that experts positively assess the recent introduction by the government of Turkmenistan of enhanced measures to prevent the spread of respiratory infections and protect the health of the population, including during public events, in markets, shops and public transport.

According to Catherine Smallwood, more than 60,000 tests for COVID-19 have been performed at the Central Laboratory of Turkmenistan.

During the briefing, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and Minister of Health and Medical Industry Nurmukhammet Amannepesov noted that, according to scientists, infections dangerous to human life could penetrate into our country along with air masses from the Aral region.

In order to prevent the spread of infection, the population was recommended to wear medical masks, large shopping and entertainment centers were closed for prophylaxis, railway passenger traffic within the country was suspended, and a number of other sanitary and preventive measures were taken.

In all regions of the country, air disinfection procedures were carried out using special aviation and automotive equipment in order to prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms by air and airborne droplets.

The Minister of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan N. Amannepesov noted that WHO experts provided invaluable support to our country in carrying out preventive measures on COVID-19.

In this regard, he emphasized that following the visit of the WHO mission, the Turkmen side will take into account all the recommendations and proposals of experts that will strengthen the national capacity and strengthen the work being done in this area.