Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan was one of the countries that was quickest to close its borders in the face of the covid-19 crisis in March.
Today, in the Central Asian country - which has a population of almost 33 million people - there are 8,031 confirmed cases, 5,329 cured and 22 deceased (being one of the lowest coronavirus mortality rates in the world).
Uzbekistan is beginning to lift restrictions and reopen to foreign tourists and one of the latest news issued by the government has been that All those travelers who contract the coronavirus during their stay in Uzbekistan will be compensated with 3,000 dollars (about 2,600 euros).
"We want to assure tourists that they can come to Uzbekistan," Sophie Ibbotson, Uzbekistan's tourism ambassador to the UK, said in a statement.
Bukhara, Uzbekistan
WHAT WILL IT BE LIKE TO TRAVEL TO UZBEKISTAN?
Uzbekistan has reopened its borders with various restrictions and strict security measures. So just Visitors from China, Japan, South Korea and Israel will be freely admitted to the country.
People from 'medium risk' countries (among which are the member states of the European Union) must keep a period of self-isolation of 14 days upon arrival.
Visitors from countries of 'high risk' (such as Turkey, Iran and Russia) They will be quarantined by the authorities.
Government-announced guarantee protects travelers visiting Uzbekistan as part of a group tour led by a local tour operator, and the amount of 2,600 euros is equivalent to cost of medical care that citizens would receive in the country if they become infected.
The government has also launched a voluntary certification scheme for lodges and other tourism businesses to comply with new hygiene guidelines, and companies that do not meet the standards and are found to be a source of infection will have to pay the cost of medical treatment for customers.
Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Samarkand, Uzbekistan