Bakhyt Sultanov spoke about the work of retail facilities in emergency mode

Today, March 16, 2020, the Minister of trade and integration Bakhyt Sultanov spoke at a briefing in the CCS and spoke about the work of retail facilities in emergency mode.

"In a state of emergency, the Government takes all measures to ensure food security," Bakhyt Sultanov said.
As the Minister said at a briefing, "we will not allow anyone to speculate on food prices."

The Minister explained that trade facilities will not be closed.

The main task in a state of emergency is to provide the population with food in a timely manner.

Therefore, in order to ensure food security, all shopping facilities (shopping and entertainment centers, shopping centers, hypermarkets, shopping houses, markets, supermarkets, minimarkets, convenience stores) on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan will work.

At the same time, they will be required to comply with a number of requirements. And first of all - to introduce an enhanced disinfection regime.

If you encounter a queue, you must observe the distance between people at least one meter.

The following requirements are set for large retail locations:
- allow visitors to enter their territory only in masks (in case of its absence, provide free issuance) and distribute memos on the prevention of coronavirus for visitors;
- install thermal imagers at the entrance to constantly monitor the status of visitors.

Restrictions are imposed on the operation of large shopping centers and markets:
- large shopping facilities, including food markets, will be open from 10 to 18 hours;
- non-food markets will be open from 11 to 17 hours.

The functioning of large trade objects is restricted. Major retail facilities include shopping and entertainment centers with an area of more than 2000 square meters.

Also, the activity of shopping and entertainment centers is suspended in the context of preventing mass gatherings of people (cinemas, theaters, exhibitions).
In this regard, entertainment facilities located in the shopping center will be closed. These are cinemas, exhibitions, children's playgrounds, children's development centers, contact zoos, ice rinks, and others.

Pharmacies, grocery and non-food stores located in shopping and entertainment centers will continue to operate and will operate in compliance with strict sanitary safety measures.

Public catering facilities located outside the shopping center must:
1) limit the working time to 22.00 hours;
2) limit the number of visitors with the simultaneous presence of up to 50 people.

- At the same time, we recommend that entrepreneurs use the "window of opportunities"that opens. So, cafes, restaurants, canteens can actively use the opportunities of online delivery in compliance with all standards of sanitary safety, - the Minister added.

In addition, all objects of trade and services (beauty salons, ateliers, and others) are recommended:
- treat tables, chairs, escalator handrails, stairs and doors, elevators with special disinfectants every hour, and floors every three hours;
- carry out regular airing of objects, increase filtration and airing of premises by taking air from the outside;
- install hand sanitizers, use a multifunctional antiseptic substance with a prolonged antimicrobial effect in sanitizers, or provide disposable gloves;
- treat the territory adjacent to the object with disinfectants at least once a day.