Minister Torosyan Discusses Coronavirus Situation with Chinese Ambassador

The Minister of Health, Arsen Torosyan, met with the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of China to Armenia, Tian Erlun, to discuss the situation regarding the new coronavirus. This information was provided by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia.

The ambassador stated that the situation is complex, but stable. According to Chinese specialists, the crisis may last about a week before stabilizing. Tian Erlun mentioned that the disease currently peaks in incidence but is manageable. He assured that all necessary measures are being taken to overcome it. Meanwhile, the ambassador emphasized that China is open to international cooperation.

The minister expressed gratitude for the information provided about the actions being taken in China and added that, following the Prime Minister's decision, an intergovernmental commission has been created concerning this issue. The first meeting of the commission took place today, discussing the situation regarding the new coronavirus, the steps that have been taken, and the necessary actions moving forward.

It should be noted that the epidemic situation in China remains tense, due to new coronaviruses (2019-nCoV). According to the World Health Organization (WHO) data (as of January 30, 2020), 12,167 suspicious cases and 7,736 confirmed cases have been reported in China, resulting in 170 fatalities. Quarantine remains in effect in several Chinese cities.

In addition to China, cases have also been reported in other countries, including those in Europe. Globally, as per the WHO statement, there have been 7,818 confirmed cases. As of January 31, the WHO declared a "public health emergency of international concern."

Taking the coronavirus epidemic situation into consideration, from February 1 to March 31, 2020, the visa-free regime for citizens of the People's Republic of China for entry into the Republic of Armenia will be temporarily suspended.

It is worth noting that border control has been strengthened for travelers arriving from China, involving specialists from the Ministry of Health. Incoming travelers are being screened for fever, and medical monitoring is implemented for a period of 14 days. During these days, measures have identified febrile patients among those arriving; based on their epidemiological history, they have been isolated, and all necessary actions have been taken. As a result, only acute respiratory and other infectious agents have been detected.

It should be emphasized that if incoming travelers do not have health issues upon arrival, particularly fever, there is no need to implement any restrictive measures, following the recommendations of the World Health Organization.

To prevent illness and the importation of cases into the Republic of Armenia, the Ministry of Health urges travelers to consider the epidemiological situation of the respective country when planning international trips. If you find yourself in China, particularly in Wuhan or neighboring cities, avoid or exclude visits to animal markets (especially seafood markets), consume only well-cooked food and bottled water, avoid close contact with individuals suffering from respiratory illnesses, do not visit zoos or participate in cultural events involving animals, use personal protective equipment (masks), wash your hands when returning home and before consuming food, seek medical help in case of flu-like symptoms, and do not self-medicate. If you have returned from China and have flu-like symptoms, seek medical assistance, indicating your travel history,” the message states.