Kazakhstan imposed a second round of nationwide restrictions to counter a huge surge in coronavirus cases since the previous lockdown, which has overwhelmed the oil-rich country's healthcare system, AFP reported.

Shopping centres, gyms, swimming pools, hairdressers and beauty salons have all closed down for the next two weeks, a measure that authorities may choose to extend.

The new restrictions are notably less stringent — travel between most cities remains possible and citizens can fly in and out of the country.

A healthcare worker gives a Covid-19 test to a medical staff near Halyk Arena in Almaty on July 5. — AFP
A healthcare worker gives a Covid-19 test to a medical staff near Halyk Arena in Almaty on July 5. — AFP

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