As of midnight on March 19, Kazakhstan’s two largest cities, Almaty and Nur-Sultan, will be placed on lockdown.

Flights and train travel outside the cities have been suspended and restrictions will be in place for anybody seeking to enter or exit.

People will still be allowed to leave home, although shopping centers, cinemas and sporting facilities will be closed. Restaurants will only be allowed to carry out home deliveries.

According to Kazakh media reports, the commission led by Prime Minister Askar Mamin said in a statement that the cities would be divided into sectors to limit the movement of people.  All large non-food retailers will close down.

Police, National Guard and military servicemen will be deployed at 27 checkpoints around Almaty. 

Kazakhstan has reported 37 coronavirus cases so far. 

Citing Kazakh Health Ministry spokesman, Kazakhstan TV says Almaty has confirmed one more coronavirus case.  There are 37 infected people in Kazakhstan, including 19 in Almaty and 18 in Nur-Sultan. Two more Kazakh citizens are treated abroad, one in Germany, another in Hungary, according to Kazakhstan TV.