Medical Masks are Lacking in Armenia, While Coronavirus is So Close: Citizens Raise Alarm

Since the outbreak of the new strain of coronavirus, medical masks have skyrocketed in price in Armenia, and they are almost unavailable in major pharmacy chains. Aurora News has received numerous reports from citizens on this issue. Specifically, citizens indicate that they are unable to purchase medical masks, especially considering that the virus is very close.

It is worth noting that it was recently reported that patients with coronavirus have been identified in neighboring Iran. According to the latest data, 43 people have been infected with the new strain of coronavirus in Iran, and 8 deaths have been recorded.

A short while ago, the Armenian government decided to suspend land communications with the Islamic Republic of Iran for two weeks, while air communication will be subject to partial restrictions. Cargo transport with Iran will continue without restrictions, applying a special monitoring regime for drivers. No restrictions will be applied for citizens of the Republic of Armenia and the Islamic Republic of Iran returning to their home countries.

It is significant that medical masks are primarily imported into Armenia from China and Russia. This means that there are currently no possibilities for mask imports.

From the “Alpha-Pharm” pharmacy chain, Aurora News was informed that out of their 172 branches, only 20 have medical masks, and in very limited quantities. “They are being sold for 50 dram, but only in 20 branches where we have a small quantity. A decision has been made not to sell more than 5 masks per person,” they added.

From “Natali Pharm,” it was reported that medical masks have been completely sold out over the past week, and they were sold for 30-50 dram.

From “Levon and Lamara” pharmacy, we learned that they have three-layer medical masks available, selling them for 30 dram, but again, no more than 5 per citizen is allowed.

From “Eskulap” pharmacy chain, Aurora News was informed that around 1 million medical masks have been consumed recently. “This number includes aid that was sent to China,” they explained.

It turns out that while prices for masks in major pharmacy chains have not changed, citizens do not have the opportunity to acquire them, as medical masks are essentially nonexistent in the country.

Aurora News also attempted to discuss the issue with the spokesman for the Ministry of Health, but he did not respond to phone calls. Earlier, it was reported that the death toll from the coronavirus in China has reached 2,592, with 77,150 infection cases.