Copyright qalampir
Reports have circulated on social media claiming that the spread of seasonal acute respiratory infections and influenza has intensified in Tashkent, leading many residents to rush to pharmacies. Alongside this, rumors have emerged that starting from October 30, the city’s schools would introduce a mandatory mask-wearing policy. Nurmat Otabekov, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health, commented on the matter. ’’The issue has been misinterpreted on social media. First of all, the decision being referenced was issued by the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Uzbekistan on September 26 this year. Please note the date; it was signed in September. Every year, before the seasonal surge of respiratory illnesses and influenza, such decisions are adopted, and relevant recommendations are sent to local institutions,’’ he explained. The statement clarified that the decision mentions wearing medical masks only if the epidemic situation worsens. Currently, the situation remains stable; therefore, there is no need for mandatory mask-wearing in schools. If infections appear among students, masks are recommended only for those in close contact with sick individuals. ’’For diseases transmitted through airborne droplets, maintaining social distance and wearing masks during communication is advisable. The document states that mask-wearing procedures should be determined locally depending on the situation. It should not, under any circumstances, be misinterpreted as a citywide mandate,’’ the statement added. It was emphasized that this decision should be viewed as a routine document, allowing local authorities to take appropriate measures depending on the level of the epidemic situation. It is worth noting that earlier, reports circulated on social media claiming that a virus with symptoms similar to seasonal acute respiratory infections, but accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting, was spreading among children. However, the Ministry of Health denied these claims.
