6000 Teachers Tested, Infection Rate Stands at 1 Percent, Says Minister of Education

Today, we have the test results for 6000 teachers, which show that the infection rate stands at 1 percent, a very good outcome for us. This was stated by the Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, Arayik Harutyunyan, during a meeting with journalists on September 16.

"This indicates two things: our teachers are highly aware and adhere to the guidelines, and they have a great sense of social responsibility. Secondly, as a result, we will not have to face additional difficulties and try to replace them. This is very good. Once this first phase passes, we will initiate random checks in schools to cut these chains," the Minister said.

Responding to comments regarding repeated reports that teachers have not been adhering to anti-epidemic regulations in polyclinics and also at schools, and whether there is a concern that this could lead to a new outbreak, especially since some teachers have not been tested, Arayik Harutyunyan answered: "Unfortunately, those one or two cases that have been recorded exist, and we must take measures. Last week, when this system was to be implemented and classes were to resume, I stated that we do not expect complete compliance with the guidelines from the first day. However, we have good results, and in the schools we personally visited, whether in Yerevan or in the regions, we have recorded compliance with the requirements of the guidelines."

Harutyunyan noted that the restrictions in place are aimed at protecting the health of teachers and students and preventing new outbreaks in these pandemic conditions. "Because we do not want to have new lockdowns and schools to close. Our actions are aimed at preventing this and allowing us to get rid of the rules established in the pandemic conditions as soon as possible," he emphasized.

According to Harutyunyan, the majority of schools are in a calm state and have not had nor recorded violations of the rules. He added that polyclinics are also required to follow the regulations.