Increased Control at Meghri Checkpoint to Prevent Coronavirus Infiltration

The pandemic situation in China, caused by the new coronavirus (COVID-2019), remains tense. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of February 19, the current year, China has reported 74,280 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus infection, with 2,006 fatalities. Outside of China, 25 countries have reported 924 confirmed cases (with 3 deaths). As stated by WHO, there are 75,204 confirmed cases worldwide.

This information has been provided by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia. According to a report published by a Chinese website (as of February 20, 2020, at 09:05), there have been 74,675 confirmed cases, with 2,121 deaths. 11,864 individuals are in severe condition, while 16,192 have recovered.

Preventive measures against the new coronavirus (COVID-2019) continue both globally and in the Republic of Armenia. Efforts are being made at state border checkpoints, and laboratory tests are being conducted. All individuals arriving from China are under medical surveillance, and those with even mild fever are being hospitalized for comprehensive testing.

As of February 20, at 15:00, all test results (including laboratory tests) have been negative. Regarding the reported cases in the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI), it should be noted that the Ministry of Health has established immediate communication with both the Armenian embassy and the Ministry of Health in Iran. It has been confirmed that there are 5 reported cases (4 cases in Qom, 2 of which are fatal, and 1 case in Arak).

The Health and Labor Inspection Body has been recommended to strengthen control at the Meghri checkpoint further, to ensure a stable epidemiological situation in the republic.