Possible impact of Covid and influenza: Potential school and kindergarten restrictions considered
In a recent press briefing, Vice Minister of Health Aigan Esmagambetova discussed the epidemiological situation among children in Kazakhstan. However, specific COVID-19 or influenza-like illness (ILI) restrictions and guidelines for schools and children's institutions remain elusive.
A search of publicly available data as of late July 2025 revealed no detailed information regarding Kazakhstan's COVID-19 or ILI school policies, including data on the R-value, mask usage, or thresholds for implementing restrictions. The search results did include discussions about educational responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in other countries, vaccination policies in the United States, and face-covering bans in Kazakhstan, but these topics were not related to health-related masking or COVID-19 mitigation in schools.
As a result, based on the available data, it appears that the current COVID-19 and ILI policies for schools in Kazakhstan, including parameters like the effective reproduction number (R-value), mask-wearing mandates, and criteria for applying restrictions, are not documented or accessible in these sources.
It is advisable for those seeking precise and current public health guidelines for Kazakhstan’s schools regarding COVID-19 or influenza to consult official Kazakhstan government health ministry releases or international health organizations that monitor Central Asia.
In the meantime, it is worth noting that children account for approximately 15% of all COVID-19 cases in Kazakhstan. Additionally, ILI and influenza cases among children under 14 years old account for 65%.
Interestingly, in 15 regions, excluding Jetisu, Atyrau, Zhambyl, Kyzylorda, and North Kazakhstan, the R-value is above 1, indicating an increase in infection spread. As of January 1, 2022, 661,000 COVID-19 cases have been registered among children in Kazakhstan. Monthly figures of COVID-19 cases among children range from 12% to 18%.
In the green zone, if the R-value is above 1, wearing masks in crowded places is recommended. If an area enters the 'red zone', stricter measures (depending on hospitalization rates) are introduced. However, the specifics of these measures for schools are currently unclear.
It is hoped that the Kazakhstan government will provide more detailed information about its COVID-19 and ILI school policies in the near future to ensure the safety and well-being of its students and staff.
The lack of transparency in Kazakhstan's COVID-19 and ILI school policies can be concerning, especially given the high rate of COVID-19 cases among children (15%) and ILI cases among children under 14 (65%). As such, it is crucial for the government to reveal specific details about the R-value, mask usage, and criteria for applying restrictions in schools for the sake of science and health-and-wellness.
