No Need to Sadistically Force People to Cover Their Nose and Mouth Among Family: Former MP from 'My Step'

Edgar Arakelyan, a former deputy from the 'My Step' faction of the National Assembly, has expressed his views on Facebook regarding the ongoing situation with face masks.

He stated, "Since I have independently raised the topic of masks and since it is unclear how many more months the state of emergency will continue, I would like to mention a few things:

1. Wearing masks in public transport and enclosed public spaces (medical facilities, shops, malls, offices, banks, etc.) as well as in crowded outdoor areas is a real necessity, and it is the state's obligation to ensure compliance with this rule.
2. The requirement to wear masks in cars with more than one person, as well as on the streets, was aimed at ensuring the implementation of the rules mentioned in the first point. In cars, since taxis in Yerevan are prevalent and essentially function as public transport, it is quite difficult for the police to differentiate between taxi and non-taxi vehicles.
3. As for the streets, police cannot stand guard in front of every shop or establishment to check if people entering wear masks. Initially, people were told to simply keep masks with them and only wear them upon entering enclosed spaces. This also relieves the police from the headache of enforcing social distancing in crowded places.

I wasn’t raising questions in my previous post for no reason. What is the actual purpose of the mask mandate in cars? If I understand it correctly, the rule should not apply outside the administrative boundaries of Yerevan. On interstate and inter-community roads, people mainly travel with their families, especially during the summer season, and there is no need to sadistically force people to keep their nose and mouth covered for several hours among their loved ones (I am only referring to those traveling in private cars, not microbuses or vans).

In regional cities, there are so few taxis that the matter can easily be resolved with a reliance on people's awareness. There is no need to mention tourist sites, mountains, valleys, fields, and streams as it is simply embarrassing that our state behaves this way towards its citizens.

Within Yerevan, the rules should be applied more intelligently. Marriage certificates, birth certificates, and matching last names can easily serve as grounds for identifying family members and exempting them from fines.

4. There are serious issues regarding the requirement to wear masks in outdoor spaces. When police refer to physical activities, they only understand running and cycling. However, brisk walking, especially under the risk of gym settings, should also be allowed. A person cannot walk briskly for 30-80 minutes (as I do every day) while having a mask on their mouth and nose. It is understandable that it is again somewhat difficult for police officers to differentiate whether a person is out for walking exercise or simply strolling and endangering the health of others. The solution is to observe the area and monitor people's movements before lifting the mask, discerning who are the offenders and who are taking care of their health. This is how things should work in a people-centered state.
5. Different rules may and should apply in health resorts and recognized tourist centers. If a person's registration is not in that locality, it means they are a tourist (whether inbound or outbound, it does not matter). Therefore, considering the small size of such areas, all resources can be spent on ensuring social distancing and not requiring masks for those relaxing outdoors, especially since having been confined within four walls for four months, individuals spend money from their limited budgets precisely to enjoy a bit of clean air. However, upon arrival, they encounter strenuous enforcement measures.
6. In city parks, there is no need to show strictness towards individuals sitting alone or with one or two other people.

In all cases, everything should be logical and directed towards the person, the citizen, rather than against them. If the situation suggests that a person should be advised to pull up their mask a little, it should not result in an immediate reach for the fine form and pen. Prevention is also a function of the law enforcement system. Measuring everyone with the same yardstick and punishing all without differentiating between the wet and dry is not the approach people expect from those who overthrew a regime led by a criminal oligarchic system, championing a revolution."