Preventing the Entry of Coronavirus into Armenia: Key Symptoms of the Infection

Steps are being taken to prevent the entry of the coronavirus and to raise awareness levels regarding it. The Republic of Armenia's Health and Labor Inspectorate has initiated several measures to prevent the importation of new cases of the coronavirus (2019-nCoV) reported in China.

The Inspectorate's border medical-sanitary checkpoints are conducting constant monitoring of individuals arriving in Armenia, performing automatic stationary temperature measurements and external examinations on all persons crossing the land and air borders.

Head of the Inspectorate, Hakob Avagyan, discussed the progress of activities with the heads of the control points and the necessary steps to transition to an intensified regime if needed.

If an individual crossing the Armenian border exhibits fever and other clinical symptoms characteristic of infectious diseases, the Inspectorate's employees will isolate the passenger to limit contact with the crew and other passengers. Their data will be collected and recorded for referral to the relevant polyclinic of the individual’s registration or residence for further management.

In conjunction with the Ministry of Health, the Health and Labor Inspectorate has also undertaken several awareness-raising measures. Specifically, information posters have been installed at border medical-sanitary checkpoints informing travelers about the new virus, how to avoid infection, and necessary steps to prevent cases from being imported into the Republic of Armenia.

Specifically,
• When planning international travel, consider the epidemiological situation in the country in question,
• If flu-like symptoms occur, consult a doctor and avoid self-medication,
• If returning from China, seek medical assistance if you exhibit flu-like symptoms, mentioning your travel history.

According to the Ministry of Health, as of January 23, the World Health Organization has not declared a public health emergency of international concern, as the cases, according to clinical characterization, are “mild,” localization efforts are effective, and the emergency is only observed in China.

The Inspectorate continues to monitor the situation related to the virus and the recommendations from the WHO.