Sanitary-Epidemiological Surveillance Service explains why express tests are being taken from those entering Uzbekistan

From January 15, all passengers arriving in Uzbekistan are required not only to have a certificate of negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours, but also to take an express test for COVID-19. This decision was made by the Republican Special Commission against the background of increasing incidence in the country and the emergence of the omicron strain. The cost of the express test is set at $5.

Videos from Tashkent airport have been circulated on social media, showing endless queues and quarrels between passengers and airport staff. Visitors complained that there was not enough space to take tests and receive payments, and the gathering of people was concerned that the disease would spread more quickly. Blogger Davletovuz shared a video from the airport, describing it as “a queue to contract the omicron”.

On the evening of January 16, the Sanitary-Epidemiological Surveillance and Public Health Service of the Health Ministry issued a statement explaining the importance of the express test for those entering Uzbekistan.

The statement said that the number of daily incidences in Uzbekistan has increased eightfold over the past 10 days. In order to prevent the risk, express antigen testing for coronavirus infection has been scheduled at international airports, railway stations and border checkpoints.

According to the service, test samples were also taken from 3,801 citizens who flew to Tashkent on January 15. Although all of them had a negative PCR test, 67 had a positive result. On the same day, 15,041 people passed through all border checkpoints in Uzbekistan. Of these, 151 tested positive for coronavirus. This is 1% of the visitors. 

“As you can see, the virus is also detected in people who take the PCR test. This indicates that the disease is becoming more “cunning” and hidden.

In this case, the best way is to take every citizen entering our country by taking an express antigen test for coronavirus,” the report said.

Depending on the condition of the citizens diagnosed with the disease, they are sent for treatment at home or in a hospital. Those who need to be treated at home are provided with 4 types of medicines free of charge at the airport.

Reportedly, the express test price is set at the equivalent of $5, “which is one of the lowest prices in the world”.

It was also mentioned that students who present a student ID will receive a 50% discount. Tests are free for people with disabilities of group I and II. Children under 2 years of age will not be tested.

“This temporary procedure will help to quickly identify, treat and prevent the spread of infection in citizens infected with the coronavirus,” the report said.

The Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance Service asked citizens to “take these measures correctly, understand their civic duty and contribute to preventing a new wave of coronavirus pandemics in the country”.