Kazakhstan Eases Pandemic Restrictions, Allows In-Person Classes for Some Students
Kazakhstan's main state sanitary doctor, Yerlan Kiyasov, has updated the country's pandemic restrictions. The changes, effective March 1, 2021, at 00:00, ease some measures while maintaining others for at least 7 days, with further easing possible two weeks after transitioning to the yellow or green zone.
First-year university and college students can now attend in-person classes from the second semester. Graduating classes (9, 11 (12)) can attend school six days a week, with 70% of subjects taught in person and 30% online. Younger students in grades 1-5 and international schools grades 1-7 can return to traditional education in shifts from March 1, 2021. Individual classes outside school hours, with no more than 15 students per group, are also permitted.
Betting shops, kindergartens (except for emergency groups), and children's health camps remain closed. Retail trade is restricted, but food and non-food markets and stores can operate. Mass events, including family celebrations, are still banned. Bowling alleys can operate with restricted capacities based on the zone color (yellow or green). Computer clubs can admit only those aged 18 and above, with varying capacities and operating hours based on the zone color.
The updated measures aim to balance public health and education. While some restrictions ease, others remain in place to control the pandemic. The duration and extent of these changes will depend on the country's epidemiological situation.
