No region remains in the high COVID-19 risk ‘red zone’ or moderate risk ‘yellow zone’ as of March 9, the Telegram Channel of the Kazakh Interdepartmental Commission for preventing coronavirus spread reads.

Current Situation

Besides major cities, like Nur-Sultan, Almaty, and Shymkent, regions in the low COVID-19 risk ‘green zone’ include Almaty, Aktobe, Atyrau, Akmola, West Kazakhstan, East Kazakhstan, Zhambyl, Karaganda, Kostanay, Kyzylorda, Mangistau, North Kazakhstan, Pavlodar, and Turkestan regions. As earlier reported, 87 new coronavirus infections were recorded in Kazakhstan over the past 24 hours, while 290 people recovered.

At the same time, Inform.kz states that around 9.4 million citizens were vaccinated. By March 8, 9, 410, 880 people are reported to have received their first dose, while 9, 042, 521 people have taken their second dose. 

The number of vaccinated people amounts to roughly half of the total population of Kazakhstan, which 18.75 million (2020). Most experts agree that in order to achieve herd immunity, the number of vaccinated is supposed to be at 70% or higher -- some even argue that it should be at 90%. 

Is the pandemic over?

Bloomberg writes: "Don’t expect omicron to be the last variant we have to contend with — and don’t let your guard down yet."  

The crisis isn’t over until it’s over everywhere. The effects will continue to reverberate through wealthier nations — disrupting supply chains, travel plans and health care — as the coronavirus largely dogs under-vaccinated developing countries over the coming months.

There’s also no guarantee that the next mutation — and there will be more — won’t be an offshoot of a more dangerous variant such as delta. And your risk of catching Covid more than once is real. Long Covid sufferers have now been experiencing severe fatigue, muscle aches, and even brain, heart, and organ damage for months.  

While many public venues are loosening restrictions, the mask mandate and entry through the Ashyq app is still in place. The issue now is to implement an effective approach to booster shots. 

An all-green map doesn't mean we can relax. Now is the time to maximize vigilance more than ever.