Ministry of Health Denies Reports of Mandatory Mask Wearing in Tashkent Schools

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Social media posts claiming that mandatory mask wearing would be introduced in Tashkent schools from 30 October are inaccurate, the Ministry of Health clarified.

First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health, Nurmat Atabekov, emphasized that the information is being misinterpreted. He explained that users refer to the Chief State Sanitary Doctor’s decree dated September 26, 2025, which is an annual, routine document issued before the season of acute respiratory infections and influenza. The decree contains only recommendations for local authorities and institutions.

Atabekov noted that masks are required only if the epidemiological situation worsens. Currently, the situation remains stable, and there is no need for mandatory mask wearing in schools. Masks may be recommended solely for students who have had contact with infected individuals.

The Ministry of Health reminded the public that measures outlined in the decree are applied depending on local conditions and do not constitute a nationwide mandatory requirement.