No Mandatory Norm for Wearing Protective Masks in Artsakh

The ceremony for the inauguration of the President of the Republic of Artsakh is a constitutionally mandated event with a specific timing and cannot be skipped. The reception of the President is a subsequent state ceremonial event, not limited by the decree of the President of Artsakh from April 12, 2020, concerning the declaration of a state of emergency.

According to a statement issued by the Artsakh Information Headquarters, there is currently no mandatory norm for wearing protective masks in the territory of Artsakh as per any ruling of the authorities. The clarification states:

“The Artsakh Republic’s Emergency Management informs that the inauguration ceremony of the President is a constitutionally established event with a specific timing and cannot be disregarded. The reception is a state protocol event that is not restricted by the decree of the President of Artsakh from April 12, 2020, on the declaration of a state of emergency. There is no mandatory rule for wearing protective masks in Artsakh territory according to any decision made by the authorities.

Nevertheless, during the aforementioned two events, anti-epidemic measures were implemented: guests were screened with an automatic thermal scanner, protective masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer were offered, and the venue was pre-disinfected.

It is reminded that point 24 of the annex of the President of Artsakh's decree from April 12, 2020, states: “24. Public events involving 20 or more participants are prohibited in the areas specified by the authorities, including but not limited to concerts, exhibitions, performances, sporting and cultural educational events, entertainment events, and commemorative events, including but not limited to birthdays, weddings, and funerals.”

It follows that the authorities must define the areas where events outlined in point 24 of the annex will be prohibited as needed, and also to identify other events classified as public by the authorities. As of today, there are no instructions from the authorities regarding the fourth subsection of point 24, and the activities mentioned in point 24 are prohibited throughout the entire territory of Artsakh by the authorities’ decision number 2 from April 13 of this year, which along with all other decisions of the authorities has been published on the official website of the Artsakh government.”