As Healthcare Ministry has officially stated nine Kazakh citizens have been diagnosed with coronavirus. There is a risk of spreading.

The virus was imported from outside. Infected citizens are under medical supervision. The people with whom they contacted have been identified and are also under medical supervision.

The coronavirus pandemic declared by the World Health Organization has acquired a threatening scale.

Therefore, in accordance with the Kazakh legislation, I signed a Decree on the introduction of a state of emergency on the territory of our country.

The state of emergency has started from 8 a.m. on March 16, 2020, and will last for 30 days. If necessary, the regime can be extended.

Public order is being strengthened.

A ban on holding mass events has been introduced.

Many citizens made plans for the upcoming holidays, some wanted to attend concerts, some sports competitions. Unfortunately, for the sake of public health, we will have to refrain from this.

At the same time, restrictions are being imposed on the functioning of large retail facilities, but grocery and other stores that sell essential goods, including those located inside shopping and entertainment centres, will continue to operate.

The functioning of markets will be determined by the state Commission on the basis of proposals from local executive bodies.

Entertainment centres, cinemas, theatres, exhibitions, and other objects with a large crowd of people are temporarily closed.

School children are sent for early holidays, and University and College students are transferred to online learning. This will make adjustments to the educational process, but children's health is our priority.

Citizens should refuse to hold mass meetings related to family and memorial celebrations.

Restrictions on entry and exit from the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan are being introduced. Please treat this with understanding.

The sanitary and epidemiological regime has been strengthened at checkpoints on the state border, at railway stations and at airports.

On my instructions, funds have been allocated from the Government reserve to purchase medicines, test systems and laboratory equipment. The country's hospitals have sufficient bed capacity.

I would like to emphasize that the state authorities have developed plans to organize sanitary-preventive and anti-epidemic measures.

I call on the citizens of Kazakhstan to provide the necessary assistance to the authorized services.

All of us in this situation need to show responsibility and discipline.

At the first sign of illness, you should immediately contact the medical services at your place of residence.

Evasion of medical examination and violation of the quarantine regime will be punished.

These days, a large burden falls on healthcare workers.

Much depends on their professionalism and human involvement. Our doctors must pass this difficult stage in the life of the country with honour and do everything necessary to preserve the health of Kazakh people, said Kazakh President.