Health Ministry denies rumors about spread of coronavirus in Jizzakh 

According to social networks, the coronavirus, which is epidemic in China, has reached Uzbekistan. It was reported that more than 20 people in Jizzakh have been infected, and some of them have even died.

In particular, the following message, sent via Telegram, has gone viral:

“Hi everyone. There are people who died from a new coronavirus in Jizzakh. More than 20 people have been recorded with the symptoms of this disease in the regional hospital. Be careful. It is secretive for the time being. The “Kuk bozor” (“Blue market”) has also been closed.

Tell your children to wear a mask and wash their hands with soap. Ask them not to touch their mouth, nose, or eyes at school. Tell them not to buy anything on the street. Boys should not greet by shaking hands.”

The Ministry of Health also issued a statement regarding the disseminated report.

“The Ministry of Health reports that rumors, which are disseminated on social networks, on the spread of coronavirus infection in the Jizzakh region, the death of a patient at the Jizzakh branch of the Republican Scientific Center for Emergency Medical Care, as well as the fact that a number of patients are being treated for this virus, are absolutely groundless. There is no cause for alarming,” the Health Ministry said.