Urgent: Two Flights from Italy to Arrive in Armenia; Special Measures Implemented

Following the announcement of a quarantine across Italy, the first flight from Milan is set to land in Yerevan on March 10 at 13:10. Another flight from Rome is expected to arrive at 21:15 local time. This information has been published on the official website of the "Zvartnots" airport.

The Health and Labor Inspection Body of Armenia informed Armenpress that special safety measures are being implemented at "Zvartnots" airport. The contact of arriving passengers with other travelers at the airport will be minimized as much as possible. All passengers arriving from Milan and Rome will undergo screening.

More details regarding the ongoing measures will be provided later. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia urges Armenian citizens to avoid trips to Italy, and those currently in Italy to immediately cease their travels and return to Armenia. “Considering the measures declared by the Italian authorities to prevent the spread of the new type of coronavirus (COVID-19), we strongly advise Armenian citizens to refrain from visiting Italy, and those currently in Italy to immediately interrupt their travels and return to Armenia. We urge Armenian citizens to maintain constant contact with the Armenian embassy in Italy,” the statement reads.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has signed a decree that restricts the movement of the population across the country to combat the spread of the coronavirus. All sporting events, including the national football championship, have been halted. Furthermore, any group gatherings are prohibited. The previously adopted quarantine measures, which applied to only the northern region of Lombardy and several areas in Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont, and Marche, will now extend across the entire country. This means the closure of all leisure facilities, including museums, theaters, and cinemas, as well as restrictions on the operations of shopping centers, restaurants, and other public catering establishments, including on weekends and holidays. All educational institutions will remain closed until April 3.