Tajikistan reports first 15 COVID-19 cases -- Health Ministry

DUSHANBE - Tajikistan has registered its first 15 coronavirus cases, the country's Health Ministry said on Thursday.

According to the ministry, the 15 cases have been confirmed in the capital of Dushanbe and the northern province of Sughd.

So far, some 2,000 people suspected of contracting the coronavirus reportedly remain under medical observation as of Thursday in the country.

Tajikistan, with a population of some 9.3 million, has closed its borders since last month, and urged its citizens to wear face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

It is the fourth of the five central Asian countries to confirm COVID-19 cases.

So far, among the five central Asian countries, only Turkmenistan has not confirmed any COVID-19 cases.

Tajikistan and Turkmenistan had approved the entry of World Health Organization (WHO) missions to help prepare for COVID-19 or any emergency in the future, and WHO teams will fly to the countries soon, the WHO said on Thursday.