Statement by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in connection with the situation on coronavirus

From March 16, 2020, a state of emergency was introduced in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Thanks to which it was possible to prevent the uncontrolled spread of the virus. Kazakhstan's actions received positive reviews from the World Health Organization and international experts.

Tough quarantine measures have been introduced in the country, public transport has been suspended, most organizations and institutions have switched to a remote mode of operation, disinfection of streets and residential facilities is carried out, and all infected citizens receive medical care.

During the state of emergency, two packages of support measures were made public:

-4 million 250 thousand people received financial assistance,

-more than 570 thousand received food packages,

- It is planned to provide products to more than 1.1 million Kazakhstanis,

- funds are allocated from the Birgemiz Foundation (“Together”), created on the initiative of the First President - Elbasy Nursultan Nazarbayev. Active work is carried out by the ruling party "Nur Otan",

-more than 1.6 million people in April-May will receive assistance from the state to pay for utilities,

- the availability and quality of food products are monitored on an ongoing basis,

- Local authorities control prices for socially significant products. Financially supported by physicians who are at the forefront of the pandemic. The Ministry of Health and Akims (governors) are taking measures to support other categories of medical workers,

- More than 1.6 million citizens and 11.5 thousand SMEs received a deferral of payments of loans and loans totaling more than 360 billion tenge (771.5 million euros),

- Small and medium-sized businesses today are in a difficult position. Tax incentive measures covered more than 700 thousand companies and individual entrepreneurs, which will allow them to save about 1 trillion tenge (2.1 billion euros),

- funds have been allocated for lending to small and medium-sized businesses at affordable rates,

- in order to avoid cuts in people and their salaries, a “Register of backbone companies” is being formed, which will receive appropriate support. It should include really important companies for our economy,

- despite all the difficulties, farmers continue to work. Their work deserves sincere respect. The issues of conducting spring field work are largely resolved. There should be no obstacles here.,

-200 billion tenge (428.3 million euros) were allocated to finance spring field work and forward purchase, including 70 billion (161.8 million dollars) allocated for the development of seed production, the purchase of fertilizers and pesticides.

In general, the amount of funds aimed at supporting citizens and business amounted to almost 6 trillion tenge (12.8 billion euros).

The task of the Government and regulatory bodies is to ensure the absolute effectiveness of the funds spent, transparency of the entire financing process.

Coronavirus continues to attack the whole world. The number of cases is approaching 3 million people, and this figure will increase. A second pandemic wave is expected. The peak incidence in Kazakhstan has not been completely completed. There is still the threat of a situation getting out of control.

Given the current situation in our country and on the basis of a proposal by the State Commission and experts, I decided to sign a Decree on the extension of the state of emergency until May 11 of this year. This decision is dictated by the current complex reality.

At the same time, the State Commission for ensuring the emergency regime is ready to go on softening the quarantine regime, primarily in areas and cities where the situation with the spread of the virus is under control. First of all, these are industrial enterprises, construction and road-building, transport companies, banks, public service centers. But at the same time, it is necessary to ensure compliance with all sanitary standards, conduct regular disinfection of workplaces. In everyday life, you must adhere to the rules of social distance.

The government will pay assistance to citizens who have lost income in the amount of 42,500 tenge (91 euros) for the second month.

The crisis showed that Kazakhstanis are a nation of true patriots.

With your interested participation, we will be able to achieve all your goals. There is no doubt about that.

Together we will cope with all the difficulties and problems!

We are together!