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NUR-SULTAN — Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared a state of emergency on Sunday due to the coronavirus outbreak, barring almost all travel to and from the Central Asian country.

The decree published by the president’s office restricts entry to and departure from Kazakhstan for everyone except diplomats and those invited by the government.

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The document introduces restrictions on the work of large retail trade facilities – without detailing them – and instructs the authorities to boost security at key buildings and facilities.

The emergency is set to last until April 15. Kazakhstan has confirmed eight coronavirus cases. (Reporting by Tamara Vaal Writing by Olzhas Auyezov Editing by Edmund Blair and Frances Kerry)