Meeting Held to Coordinate Measures Against Coronavirus Spread

On March 9, a meeting was held at the government office under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan, focused on coordinating efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the Republic of Armenia.

During the meeting, recent developments regarding the coronavirus situation were discussed, along with measures being taken or to be taken by state agencies. Minister of Health Arsen Torosyan presented the latest statistical data on the spread of the coronavirus in Armenia and worldwide. He also noted that to date, 211 laboratory tests have been conducted in Armenia, with coronavirus detected in only one case.

The economic impact of the coronavirus, as well as issues related to trade, freight transportation, and tourism flows, was also addressed.

Summarizing the outcomes of the meeting, Tigran Avinyan stated: "Dear colleagues, let us establish a few important points based on today’s discussion. First, we will require all incoming citizens to fill out address cards that will include information about the countries they have visited in the past 14 days. By having and analyzing these cards, we can understand whether citizens have been in dangerous areas or not. Second, for certain shipments related to Iran—both imports and exports—the Ministry of Economy will, within a week, create a window through discussions with the State Revenue Committee, Inspection Body, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and our partners in the Islamic Republic of Iran, which will allow for specific freight shipments to be conducted both to Armenia and Iran. These shipments will be carried out through a process that we control.

Third, we urge all citizens of the Republic of Armenia to refrain from traveling to high-risk areas, particularly the Lombardy region in Italy, specifically the city of Milan, at least for the next two weeks. Lastly, for our citizens remaining in the Islamic Republic of Iran who have families and family members that are not Armenian citizens or residents, we will also create an opportunity for those families to return to the Republic of Armenia."