A school class in Kazakhstan is switched to distance learning if signs of acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) are detected in 30% or more of its pupils. The Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of Zhambyl Region reminded the public of the conditions for imposing such restrictions, the website infohub.kz reports.
In a class of 30 children, for example, nine cases would be grounds for moving to the online format. The restrictive measures are designed for the period when ARVI and flu cases rise.
If the infection is detected in 20–30% of a class, medical observation is established for those who had contact with them for seven calendar days. During that time, pupils are not allowed to move between classrooms during the school day.
After the last ARVI case is detected in a class, new pupils are also barred from joining it for the duration of the incubation period.
The procedure is set out in a resolution of Kazakhstan's Chief State Sanitary Doctor dated August 26, 2026, No. 11-PGSV, for the 2026–2027 epidemiological season.
Under the document, schools must monitor attendance daily, establish why children are absent and carry out morning screening. Pupils showing signs of infection are not allowed to attend classes. If symptoms appear during the school day, the child is isolated until their parents arrive.
The department noted that flu and other ARVI cases increase in autumn and winter. Those who fall ill are advised to stay at home so as not to spread the infection, and to see a doctor at the first symptoms.
Earlier, Kursiv wrote that, according to the Ministry of Health, more than 51,900 ARVI cases had been registered in Kazakhstan since the start of September — 1.8 times fewer than in the same period last year. At the time of the report, no cases of flu or previously unknown respiratory viruses had been detected.