Armenia introduces new restrictions as COVID again rises The country has belatedly introduced a COVID pass system to enter restaurants and bars as the vaccination rate remains at just 28 percent. Ani Mejlumyan Jan 27, 2022
COVID spikes in Armenia even as vaccine mandate goes into effect Employers are now effectively required to demand proof of vaccinations from their workers. But the country’s health care system is now being pushed to the limit. Ani Mejlumyan Oct 29, 2021
Armenian vaccination mandate faces backlash The government hopes to boost vaccination rates, but a new anti-vaccine campaign is on the rise. Karine Ghazaryan Sep 29, 2021
Armenia to effectively require COVID vaccinations for all employees The new rules come as the country is trying to stave off a third wave of the virus and vaccination numbers remain in the low single digits. Ani Mejlumyan Sep 8, 2021
Turkmenistan: Trading places That Central Asia's presidents seemed to enjoy themselves together was itself a breakthrough. This and more in our weekly Turkmenistan briefing. Akhal-Teke: A Turkmenistan Bulletin Aug 10, 2021
Armenia changes vaccination policy as Iranian vaccine tourists flock Iranians have been flooding into Armenia to get COVID vaccines, causing Tehran to complain and Yerevan to tighten the rules. Karine Ghazaryan Jul 12, 2021
Turkmenistan: Putting on a show Will Turkmenistan come to Kyrgyzstan’s rescue? Akhal-Teke: A Turkmenistan Bulletin Jun 29, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: As third COVID-19 wave hits, protection options vanishingly small Cases are rising rapidly and vaccines – for those who want them – are hard to find. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jun 24, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: President prescribes poison root for COVID-19 The health minister then drank the concoction at a press conference. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Apr 16, 2021
As a possible new COVID-19 wave looms, Central Asia is napping The region appears wholly unprepared for the latest rise in cases. Mar 17, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Ballet troupe walkout shines light on culture underspending Protesting artists chose the visit of their better-paid Russian colleagues to make their point. Chris Rickleton Mar 9, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Waiting and loathing on the Chinese border It can take four days to get to the front of the line at this bitterly cold pass almost two miles high. Danil Usmanov Mar 4, 2021
Armenia eschews lockdown, but enjoys COVID reprieve Analysts believe the country may be benefiting from herd immunity after devastation last year. Ani Mejlumyan Jan 27, 2021
Following war with Armenia, Azerbaijan gains control of lucrative gold mines The losses to tax revenues will hit the de facto Nagorno-Karabakh government even harder than Yerevan. Ani Mejlumyan, Ulkar Natiqqizi Jan 27, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Official says COVID fatalities may be far more than admitted Surabaldiyeva says "several thousand" people may have died. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jan 15, 2021