Current status of COVID-19 in Almaty's urban center reported by its leading medical official
Almaty, Kazakhstan, is currently grappling with a second wave of COVID-19 infections, as revealed by the city's move back into the 'yellow' zone on December 8. The epidemiological situation in the city has become tense, with a significant increase in morbidity compared to October.
According to recent data, citizens aged 20 to 60 accounted for more than 60% of COVID-19 cases in November and the first week of December. Among this age group, contacts in shopping centers, stores, and markets account for 34% of cases among young people aged 20-39. Contacts with ill family members account for 35-36% of cases, while contacts in public transport account for 16-18%.
Adults aged 40-59 account for 29-31% of COVID-19 cases, while visits to medical facilities account for just 6%. Contacts at the place of employment (work, study) account for 3%, and imports from abroad and other regions of Kazakhstan account for 6% of cases. Elderly people aged 60 and above account for 22-26% of COVID-19 cases.
During an online briefing, Almaty's Chief State Sanitary Doctor, Jeanbek Bekshin, spoke about the current epidemiological situation in the city. Authorities in Almaty have taken various public health measures such as roadblocks, mandatory mask orders, and restricted working hours to combat the surge in cases.
However, detailed epidemiological breakdowns for the second wave of COVID-19 cases in Almaty, specifically by age group and location for December 2020, are not readily available in the public domain. For more granular data, it is recommended to consult Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health reports, local public health databases, or WHO situation reports from that period.
As of December 9, 16,667 COVID-19 cases have been registered in Almaty since the beginning of the year. In the last 7 days, 470 COVID-19 cases and 42 cases of undetermined pneumonia have been registered in the city. Monitoring groups of akimats have reported mass violations of quarantine regime in public catering and transport facilities.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for everyone to adhere to public health guidelines and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from the spread of COVID-19.
- The second wave of COVID-19 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, has revealed an increase in cases among citizens aged 20 to 60, with shopping centers, stores, and markets being a significant source of infection for the younger age group.
- Among adults aged 40-59, visits to medical facilities account for a minimal 6% of COVID-19 cases, while contacts at the workplace account for a meager 3%.
- In the second wave, chronic diseases, respiratory conditions, mental health, and fitness and exercise have emerged as critical areas of concern due to their potential influence on vulnerable populations and the overall health and wellness scene.
- Policy and legislation, as well as politics, have gained importance in the context of the ongoing pandemic, especially with regards to implementing public health measures such as roadblocks, mask orders, and restricted working hours in response to the surge in cases.
- As general news continues to unfold, the importance of consulting Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health reports, local public health databases, or WHO situation reports from December 2020 has been emphasized for those seeking more granular data about the second wave of COVID-19 cases in Almaty.
