NUR-SULTAN, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan on Thursday reported the first death from COVID-19 as confirmed cases jumped to 111, the minister of information and social development said.
Two patients have recovered and been discharged from the hospital as of Thursday.
In the latest measures to curb the virus spread, Kazakhstan's state emergency commission ordered to ban residents of Nur-Sultan and Almaty from leaving their homes starting March 28, except for buying food, medicines or going to work.
The authorities of the two cities will also gradually reduce public transport services, bar meetings of more than three people in public areas with the exception of family members, close crowded places including parks, squares, pedestrian streets and playgrounds, and prohibit movement of unaccompanied minors.
In the capital Nur-Sultan, a curfew will be imposed starting March 27. It is mandatory to wear face masks when going out, while those who breach the rule would face penalty. A maximum of two customers are allowed to stay in a convenience store at the same time, and 20 customers in a supermarket.
The country's third largest city Shymkent will suspend the operation of airport, railway and bus stations and close public places.
