“Chronicles of Turkmenistan” continues to monitor changes in prices for medications as well as the public health situation in Ashgabat.
The present report was compiled following another wave of COVID-19 in Turkmenistan.In August and September 2021 there were no vacant beds in in-patient facilities.
In late August long queues formed in front of all pharmacies.The mask mandate and the use of hand sanitizers were zealously controlled in the city; visitors to public places had their temperatures taken and the requirement to keep social distancing in public transport was closely monitored.
Almost all public places, including banquet halls, markets, hairdressing salons, beauty parlors and car washing facilities were closed. Festivities were not held and restaurants switched to delivery service.
These measures had not been undertaken during the first quarantine in early 2020 when many premises had been closed as part of a window-dressing initiative.Tents were installed in backyards regardless of any restrictions and festivities were organized; people wore masks in a careless manner and did not bother to use hand sanitizers or keep social distancing.
This time city residents treated the spread of COVID-19 more seriously as there are COVID-19 cases in almost every household.
As of early October, 2021 the epidemiological situation in the capital significantly improved. According to correspondents of “Chronicles of Turkmenistan”, many residents had been infected and recovered and the majority got vaccinated. There are almost no queues in front of pharmacies or outpatient clinics.
At the meeting with the WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge held on 8 October, 2021 President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov said that “to date over 70% of Turkmen residents have been vaccinated”.
However, shopping centers and the markets are still closed with only grocery shops and counters operating.Vendors selling mobile phones and clothes spot customers at parking lots near the market in order to accompany them to a car parked nearby featuring their merchandise.
During the first quarantine, vendors of closed shops kept vigil near their retail outlets but this time stricter control over stores was exercised.
Banquet halls, tents for festivities are rarely installed in the city.As has been previously reported, large-scale events are officially banned in the city, except commemoration lunches.
At the same time, if one has connections in the khyakimlik’s office, a permit can be obtained for a bribe of 1000 manats.The majority of cafes have switched to delivery despite the fact that t some restaurants operate without any restrictions.
Obviously, these are owned by high-ranking officials or their acquaintances.
beauty parlours, hairdressing salons, car washes, and motor vehicle accessories shops have resumed their operations.Car maintenance shops are also reopening.Popular car service centers “Lada” (11th residential district) and “Garantiyka” (located in Khitrovka district) were urgently closed in late August and cordoned off with tape and chains.
Car owners could not even access their vehicles.
In the shopping center “Ashgabat”, opened on the Day of Independence, all shops, entertainment facilities and cafes are open.
The mall is overcrowded in the evening and long queues form in front of ticket offices on the floor with amusement rides.Despite the fact that visitors try to wear masks properly and use hand sanitizers, guards and police officers also makes sure the mask mandate is observed.
According to correspondents of “Chronicles of Turkmenistan”, prior to the gradual lifting of the first quarantine measures last year, only one shopping centre in the city, “Berkarar” reopened. Shop assistants hope that after “Ashgabat” shopping center has been opened, they will also be allowed to resume work.
In the third quarter of 2021 on average prices for medications increased by 2% only compared to the growth of 16% in the same period last year.
It should be emphasized that prices for some medications have gone up and for others conversely, have dropped.
The post Prices for medications in Ashgabat remain stable and the СOVID-19 wave is subsiding first appeared on Chronicles of Turkmenistan.